Stoves worth �30,000 have been stolen from a Holt business that was launched through the Princes Trust four years ago.The haul of wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves was taken from Coastal Stoves at Glaven Road on the town's Hempstead Road industrial estate.

Owner Sharon Ketteringham said the raid took 45 stoves, virtually clearing out her showroom, but it was business as usual as she battled back from the break-in.

'It was a planned job. It looks like they came a week earlier and cut down some trees to make access earlier. People just thought it was the council.

'It started the business four years ago through the Princes Trust. I had no job for 10 years, because I was disabled with an injured back.

'The Trust helped me start. Now all that work has gone down the drain, but I am dusting myself off and starting again,' said Mrs Ketteringham, 34, from Sheringham.

Solid fuel stoves, costing from �400 to �3,000, were in big demand at the moment because of the rocketing prices of oil and gas, she added.

The burglary took place between 4pm on Thursday April 7 and 2.30pm on Sunday April 10. Police say a van or flatbed-sized truck may have been used to take the stoves. Makes include Charnwood, Morso, Parkray, and Hunter. The haul also includes accessories such as fire baskets and companion sets.

Anyone who noticed suspicious activity in the area over the weekend or with information about the stolen stoves should contact PC Paul Roach at Fakenham police on 0845 456 4567 or phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.