A CHILDCARE organisation which last week thought it had breached planning rules celebrated better news over the weekend.

Workers at The Den, on Crosby Road, in Northallerton, were horrified when it emerged that a facelift a year ago appeared to have breached the rules.

The news meant that all the money which the breakfast and after-school club had spent on the scheme may have been wasted.

As the management were still reeling from the surprise news from the local authority, someone broke into the premises and stole a new karaoke machine and CDs.

However, North Yorkshire County Council officials have now assured the club's managers that the refurbishment at The Den has not broken the rules.

Den spokeswoman Linda Kirk said the organisation used money from the New Opportunities Fund to spruce up the premises a year ago, repainting the exterior and repairing woodwork.

No one thought planning permission was needed because the only change was the colour of the premises from brown to cream.

However, in the recent tour of inspection, North Yorkshire County Council officers noticed the alterations and The Den was informed it would have to revert back to the original colour.

Angry supporters were gearing up to campaign against the decision, claiming that the authority's inflexibility would cost the club a substantial amount of money which it could ill afford.

However, the council has now confirmed that although other premises it owns in the area were of concern, The Den was not among them and should never have been told it would have to be repainted.

Council spokesman Eric Matthews said: "It appears we have had a case of Chinese whispers.

"We would have appreciated being told about the refurbishment in the first place but I can assure The Den it has nothing to worry about.''

Mrs Kirk said everyone at the club was relieved.

She appealed for the return of the £200 karaoke machine taken in the burglary.

"We would very much appreciate its return and, if anyone knows anything about the break-in or is offered anything similar cheap, we would urge them to contact the police," she said.