BURGLARS forced their way into a working men's club and stole nearly £1,000 early yesterday.

The thieves smashed a window at Elm Road Club, Shildon, County Durham, and ransacked fruit machines and the snooker table before the burglar alarm alerted the club's steward Phil Hall.

He said: "The alarm was set off at 4.35am and it obviously disturbed the thieves who ran away across the fields behind the club.

"They still managed to steal between £500 and £1,000 out of the two bandit machines and the snooker table cash box, but until we carry out a stock take, we will not know whether they got away with any alcohol or cigarettes."

A Durham Police spokesman said: "Three men were seen running across fields towards Eldon and, following a chase on foot, a 20-year-old from Bishop Auckland was arrested and he is currently being held in custody at Newton Aycliffe.

"The search for the other two men is being continued and inquiries are ongoing."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on (01325) 314401.