A charity donation box has been stolen from a Broads study centre’s Secret Garden – for the second time this year.

The black steel box was taken from How Hill, near Ludham, just months after a similar raid.

Police are investigating the latest theft and are appealing for public help in trying to find the culprits.

Back in April, a box was taken from the same spot near the entrance to the centre’s water gardens in woodlands near the house – an environmental study centre running education and activity courses for schoolchildren and adults.

The garden was shut for a few days in the wake of the theft and the box was replaced with a sturdier one mounted on a metal frame and set in concrete.

In the latest theft the offenders dug up the frame and foundations, dragged it into the trees and cut off the box – made from an ammunition store – probably using a hacksaw.

How Hill Trust director Simon Partridge said: “It is disappointing to have the donation box stolen from our charity. Donations are so important to us – raising £4,000 to £6,000 in a typical year to help fund our work.

“We are not sure how much money was inside, but it must have taken a lot of time and effort to commit the crime.”

Police are asking anyone who may have seen anything suspicious, has found the discarded box or has any information to contact PC Matt Pritty at snt@stalham.police.uk