A PUB landlord was targeted by burglars who stole hundreds of pounds from a game machine.

Ray Harker, who has been landlord of the Shuttle and Loom, on Whinfield Road, Darlington, for just over a week, was burgled early yesterday while he was asleep in his flat upstairs.

Police were at the scene within minutes of the pub's alarm sounding but the burglars had left. Security is now being stepped up at the The Laurel Pub Company-owned alehouse.

Mr Harker, who was previously landlord at the Raby, in Hart village, near Hartlepool, said: "They just came in and bashed the machine in, took the coins out and left. I can't say at the moment how much, but I would think it's hundreds of pounds.

"We have just been in a week, so this has taken the shine off the new job a bit."

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which happened at about 4.50am.

Anyone with information is asked to phone Darlington police on (01325) 467681.