STAFF at a store in Chagford have rallied round to ensure their shop stays open through the Christmas period after a burglary caused extensive damage to the property.

The town's Spar store was targeted by ram raiders last weekend, causing severe damage to the store front.

Rather than close up shop just before Christmas, store manager David Woof and his staff were in a defiant mood, getting the business up and running again just hours after the burglary. The shop window, destroyed in the incident, was due to be replaced on Wednesday.

He said: 'We were filled with annoyance more than anything, what with it upsetting the community here in Chagford. It is a safe place, and I know the attack raised fears for some people here, including older people.

'The timing before Christmas is not great, but we have managed to get it up and running again the same day. We are working around some of the damage, like the shop front and some damaged chillers, but we are coping just fine.

'It shows the spirit here, I've had people ringing me at home, asking how things are going. People have been great, and we now have that big weekend push before Christmas to look forward to.'

At around 3.45am on Saturday, burglars used a P-registered red Land Rover TDI stolen from Moretonhampstead to force entry through the front of the Spar shop in the Square.

Once inside, they used the vehicle to remove a cash machine from the premises. They left the scene and abandoned the vehicle in nearby farm buildings.

Police said the crime was 'unsuccessful, in that the cash machine held minimal amounts of money. However, the impact on the local community is significant, and the damage to the business premises extensive'.

It is believed three people were involved with the burglary, though their identities are currently unknown. The vehicle has been recovered, and enquiries are ongoing at every level, utilising CCTV, witnesses and police scientific resources.

Police are keen to speak to anyone who can assist with the enquiry.

They are asking the public to be vigilant and mindful that criminals who employ such tactics may assess many locations and vehicles prior to picking their ultimate target. Therefore, all suspicious behaviour around such vehicles and outlets may be of interest.

Anyone with information can contact the police by dialling 101.