Mean thief snatches tree from bakery

WE may be fast approaching the season of goodwill, but Christmas spirit is in short supply in Lydgate — thieves snatched a Christmas tree from outside a bakery.

Staff at Cake Heaven in Oldham Road were all ready to sparkle when they took delivery of the tree donated by Saddleworth’s parish council to help brighten up the moorside villages during the run-up to Christmas.

Owner Christine Hayes put up the 3ft spruce on a bracket outside the shop last week and splashed out on lights and tinsel ready to brighten up the little tree.

But thieves struck on Wednesday night — leaving Christine fuming.

“What a mean-spirited thing to do,” she said.

“I can’t believe people would be so pathetic as to steal a little Christmas tree.

“They could have clubbed together and bought themselves one.

“It was such a nice touch for the parish council to help us out and we’re hoping that whoever took it brings it back.”