Thieves stole thousands of pounds worth of pyrotechnics from a storage unit used by Kimbolton Fireworks.

The thieves also stole a van and two trucks from the unit in Little Stukeley, which is owned by the company, and used them to make off with the items.

A spokesman for Cambridgeshire police said: “It is believed that offenders broke into a storage unit in Little Stukeley, used by Kimbolton Fireworks, between 5.30pm on Saturday and 10am on Sunday, and made off with about 24 pallets of fireworks.

“Three vehicles were also stolen during the break in; a white Ford Transit van, a Mitsubishi Fuso van and an Iveco 7.5 tonne box van.

“It is believed the offenders entered and left the warehouse via a perimeter road leading out onto Clay Lane.”

Kimbolton Fireworks won widespread acclaim in the past for its displays, which have included New Year’s Eve celebrations in London in 2013, in Edinburgh in 2011, and at the Olympic Games, in London, in 2012.

The company was founded in 1964 by Reverend Ron Lancaster.

Rev Lancaster was appointed as chaplain and taught chemistry at Kimbolton School where his passion for fireworks grew and he carried out extensive research for the firework industry from his newly constructed workshops.

As the reputation of the Reverend Lancaster’s fireworks and displays grew, Kimbolton Fireworks Ltd was formed.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or report online via www.crimestoppers-uk.org