Rare book stolen from Oxfam shop

A rare book worth about £400 has been stolen from a charity shop in Dorset.

The Britannia's Bulwarks was stolen from an unlocked cabinet in the Oxfam bookshop in South Street, Dorchester, according to staff.

The book, dating back to 1902, is a collection of 12 magazines which contain valuable coloured plates.

Angela Allen, deputy manager at the shop, said: "When we noticed it was gone we felt sick to our stomachs. I don't know how anyone could do it."

Ms Allen said that if the thieves returned the book she would be happy to forget all about the incident.

"They can just drop it in to the shop - we just want it back," she said.

She added that staff were monitoring online auction sites in case the thieves tried to sell the book.