THE recreation club at Pickering Town FC has been broken into, with money and alcohol stolen and more than a thousand pounds of damage done.

According to police, the burglary at the Mill Lane site took place between midnight and 7am on Wednesday, October 12.

The offenders broke a window and forced an external door to access the social club, and then forced four more internal doors to reach the bar area of the premises.

They made off with hundreds of pounds of cash from gaming machines and a pool table, which were also damaged in the raid.

They also stole two 1.5l bottles of alcohol; Jack Daniels and Bacardi.

The cost of repairs is estimated to be more than £1,000.

Forensic examinations have been carried out at the scene along with house-to-house enquiries to check for any suspicious activity in the area.

CCTV cameras in the neighbourhood are also being assessed to help identify the suspects.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "This is clearly a crime against the local community and is deeply sickening to those who do so much to support grassroots sport and activities.

"It is vital that residents come forward with any information that could help the police to catch the culprits.

"Even the smallest piece of information, such vehicle sightings or suspicious behaviour in the area at around the time of the burglary, could prove to be very important to the investigation."

Despite the devastation left to the club, volunteers rallied and spent a day working to get the premises back in shape.

The statement on the club's website says: "A small team of volunteers worked throughout Wednesday to get the club back up and running.

"They know who they are. Thank you."

An update on Thursday added: "Following Tuesday night's break-in at the club, it is pleasing to report everything is virtually back to normal.

"However it took volunteers nearly eight hours to clear the damage and make good doors and windows which were broken."

If you can help, please call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Alan Robson. Or email Alan.Robson@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 55511.

Please quote reference number 12160185698 when providing details about this incident.