YOUNG York entrepreneur Phoebe Smith is "shocked and upset" after an honesty box from her roadside stall was stolen in broad daylight.

Phoebe Smith, aged 10, set up the refreshment stand for cyclists passing her mother’s place of work in Buttercrambe just two weeks ago.

She had been enjoying a steady trade in her efforts to save enough money to buy a horse.

But Phoebe, who attends Robert Wilkinson primary school, was left in tears when the honesty box, which was brought in before dark every evening, was found missing when collecting her days taking on Monday evening.

Phoebe said: “I was worried about leaving money out but thought I could trust people. It has upset me and shocked me.”

The stand was a birthday present from Lee Cowell, owner of Louisianna’s Mobile Bars, in a bid to encourage entrepreneurship. He said: “It’s devastating to think somebody could be so cruel. Phoebe has made great effort into starting the stall, buying stock and counting her daily takings, and to think somebody would steal from her is hugely disappointing."

The store, which offers pre-packaged bottled water, Lucozade Energy drinks, crisps and chocolate bars, had enjoyed great popularity after launching during the late March heatwave.

After opening a few days before the Easter weekend a social media post introducing the store received over 350 ‘likes’.

Phoebe then set up her own Facebook page and enjoyed support from many local businesses including neighbouring Jekyll & Hideout and Columbian restaurant Tricolor York, who generously donated stock.

Phoebe, said: "I really want a horse but my Mum cannot afford to buy me one so I was hoping the money raised through the summer would help towards this."

And the young entrepreneur said the theft would not deter her from carrying on.

“We won’t be leaving a float out for customers to get change anymore but instead will ask them to pay via Paypal or call the house if they need change. I really hope it doesn’t happen again.”.

The stall is located on Buttercrambe Road between Buttercrambe and Stamford Bridge and is open every day.

The facebook page can be seen at www.facebook.com/Phoebes-Stall-104466648409097