SPORTING youngsters have been left heartbroken after they held a fundraising event for their club, only to have the money stolen.

The children, members of Consett Squash Club, at the town's Belle Vue Leisure Centre, raised £250 for equipment through a sponsored bike ride.

After the final count, the club coach placed the money in a sealed envelope inside his sports bag and went for a shower. While he was away, a thief went into the changing rooms and took the cash.

Leisure staff immediately searched the building, but the money had vanished. No one was seen acting suspiciously in the centre and there were no witnesses to the crime.

PC Phil Hinton, Consett town centre beat manager, said: "This is a particularly upsetting crime because it affects the children who put in so much effort to raise the money in the first place.

"The thief would have had to pay to get into the sports centre, so anyone using the facilities at the time could hold a vital clue."

The theft took place on Wednesday, June 11, between 4.30pm to 5pm. PC Hinton is appealing for witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to contact him at Consett police station, on (01207) 504204.