Selby church officials have expressed their outrage after callous thieves stole £600 from a funeral collection plate.

Several hundred people had gathered in Selby Abbey on Wednesday to say their final farewells to abbey stalwart Howard Croxford.

But only an hour after the funeral service, the two thieves tricked the verger into leaving the abbey office before making off with the cash that mourners had left on the plate.

Mr Croxford, 70, a churchwarden for 12 years, was devoted to the abbey and all the money from the collection was to go towards the abbey's restoration appeal.

Mr Croxford's family, who were still on their way back from York Crematorium when the thieves struck, were said to be extremely distressed.

Detective Constable John Lintott, of Selby CID, said: "This was a particularly despicable crime and we are anxious to hear from anyone who may have information."

Updated: 11:43 Friday, March 07, 2003