A BABY clothing business was hit hard just before its first birthday celebrations.

Thousands of pounds worth of Spanish baby clothing was stolen from Baby Chic Gift Boutique in Danbury.

At what was meant to be an exciting time, the devastated sisters who own the boutique have had to deal with a burglary.

But Tracey Watson and Lisa Christmas are determined not to let the thieves win and say they will carry on.

Their first priority is to ensure their planned charity fundraising day is still a success. The company's first birthday celebrations are in aid of Kicks Count - a charity working to reduce stillbirth in the UK.

Luckily, the £700 worth of charity raffle prizes were not kept on site and will still be part of the event on Saturday.

Tracey Watson said Baby Chic Gift Boutique's suppliers have been fantastic in express delivering replacement stock so the shop's shelves will be replenished in plenty of time.

The sisters were overwhelmed by the help and support they received from family, friends and customers. Especially from the newly opened businesses within the White Elm Shopping Village.

Tracey said: "Our new neighbours have been so lovely offering help with the break in clear up, moral support and even tea and cake to try to cheer us up.

"We love being surrounded by the many new businesses at White Elm and it's quickly become a wonderful Shopping Village community.

"We're working together to improve on security, we will not let the thieves get the better of us."

Police were contacted following the incident which happened in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Anyone with information should contact 101.