A THIEF has been caught on CCTV stealing thousands of pounds of power tools from a farm designed for disabled children.

The theft, valued at approximately £3,000, almost jeorpadised the opening of Fairytale Farm in Southcombe, Chipping Norton, for the 2017 season tomorrow (Saturday) at 10am.

Staff have had to use hand tools to finish work on the site before the grand opening.

During Wednesday morning's break-in, the man spots the camera and comes close to move it out of view.

Nick Laister, Fairytale Farm owner, said:"At just after 3am on Wednesday morning a thief wearing trainers and a hoodie, using a mobile phone as a torch, broke into the Fairytale Farm workshop building.

"Sadly he stole all of our power tools, including angle grinders, drills and jigsaws, and all of our specialist equipment and attachments, that we have collected over the last nine years since we started building the farm.

"Our initial estimates are that power tools to the value of around £3,000 have been stolen.

"It is a big setback for us because we have to secure funding for everything we do.

"But what the thief did not realise was that we had CCTV cameras recording the area in front of the workshop, so we caught him on camera.

"You can see him walking into and out of the building, going in empty handed and coming out each time with more power tools.

"Eventually, he spots the CCTV camera and moves it so that it is pointing up to the sky, but not before going right up to the camera to do this.

"We have uploaded the footage onto our YouTube page and we would ask people to look at the footage and if you think you might know the person who did it, please contact Thames Valley Police and quote crime reference number 43170040318."

Fairytale Farm is the UK's first visitor attraction to put disabled children first in our design and layout - but is loved by children and adults of all abilities.

Mr Laister said the burglary will not stop the farm opening on Saturday: "We hope people will like the changes we have made during the closed season, and this setback will not stop us from opening - it is going to be all hands on deck with manual tools.

"Visitors this half term will be able to try out our brand new interactive features along the Enchanted Walk - press a button and find out what happens, and then smell the plants in our new gardens.

"Have your picture taken by our Giant's Camera and post your photo on Facebook or send it to yourself by email, then marvel at our new, interactive musical dancing water fountains.

"We have revamped our unique Mouse Town, so experience the family of mice in a whole new light as they explore our beautifully crafted model village.

"See some new animals in Alfie & Friends, our animal zone; and you will love our new rare breed pigs who look like sheep with their curly coats."

The Farm is open every day until December 24, 2017, and there will be a special event running right through the half term next week from February 13 to 17.

Manager Edwina Fawcett said: "Fairytale Farm’s Craft Activity Workshop runs right through the February half term week - fully inclusive in the admission price.

"Under 5s can create a love bug bookmark to give as a Valentine’s gift to mums and dads.

"And if you are not into crafts, try your hand at decorating a Valentine cookie. It will be great fun, and all in our lovely warm cafe."

The farm is located on the A44 just outside Chipping Norton. For more details visit fairytalefarm.co.uk.