Cheeky thieves have replaced a family's stolen clothes with size 46 bloomers and a scarlet basque.

Willie and Linda Delaney, who have had £700 of designer clothes stolen from their washing line, are still coming to terms with the nerve of the practical jokers.

Mr Delaney said: "It is ridiculous. Someone is seriously taking the mickey out of us and I would love to know who."

But the couple, who run The Angel pub, in Sheep Street, Bicester, are starting to see the funny side of the whole episode.

Mrs Delaney said: "It's an absolute cracker - I couldn't stop laughing when I saw those clothes on the washing line. I still cannot believe they had the nerve to do it." The thieves stole clothes during three visits to the pub garden over the last two weeks. Items stolen include Levi jeans, Calvin Klein trousers, a Versace top and Mr Delaney's prized Scotland and Celtic football shirts.

The replacement charity shop clothes include enormous bloomers, two huge flowered dresses and a red and black basque, all of which have price tags of around £3.

Mr Delaney said: "They obviously went to a charity shop, bought the clothes cheap and then sneaked into our garden at night to hang them up.

"They have left my son Neil a little short of things to wear, but I don't think he will be tempted to wear any of the charity shop stuff - it's all old women's clothes and naughty knickers!"

Police are investigating the thefts and have promised to let the Delaneys know if any of their clothes are found.

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