A HANG-GLIDING enthusiast has been left stranded after burglars made off with equipment worth hundreds of pounds.

The victim, a 43-year-old man, discovered the break-in on Friday at a shed in the back yard of his home in the village Satley, two miles west of Lanchester.

The thieves left a hang-glider frame, but took a yellow and grey harness worth £250 and a large orange parachute valued at £350.

Other items stolen include a grey altimeter worth £500, and black and green flying suit and white helmet worth £280.

They also took a set of Wilson golf clubs kept in a black and beige bag and a 27-speed blue and white mountain bike.

The burglars could have struck any time between Saturday, January 3 and last Friday, but a farmer did report seeing two men - one wearing a woollen hat - leaving the yard at 6.15am on Thursday.

Police believe the raiders used a crowbar or similar tool to force their way into the shed at the house, which is on the main road through the village, near the Punch Bowl pub.

Witnesses are asked to call police on (01207) 504204.