RAIDERS broke into a pub cellar and stole £400-worth of beer while a party went on upstairs.

Kevin Woodford, landlord of the Hope Inn, in Yarm Road, Darlington, was holding a karaoke and disco event when the break-in occurred between 8.15pm and 10.15pm on Friday.

He went to the cellar to change a barrel and discovered that 18 cases of Holsten Pils and Budweiser lagers had been taken.

"It was a lousy start to the New Year," he said.

"It could have been dangerous if any member of my staff had gone to change a barrel and come face-to-face with them. I went down myself to change the beer and the cellar hatch was wide open."

The burglary is the second since Mr Woodford took over the pub in May.

"I had only been in a couple of weeks when the first one happened," he said.

"That was just kids who only got a couple of bottles. This is a lot more serious. They must have had transport to get away with so much."

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to call police on (01325) 467681.