POLICE are appealing for information about the theft of recently acquired lighting equipment from a town sports club.

A portable floodlight and generator were stolen from Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club, Moore Lane, overnight on Monday, April 24. The thief forced entry to the ground by damaging two gates.

The club was targeted again this week, when thieves climbed into an equipment compound and stole a fuel filter from the second generator, as well as causing damage to the engine, disabling the equipment for the foreseeable future.

A club spokesman said the two incidents are a major blow to the club, which had recently bought the equipment to enable it to hold late training sessions.

He said: "This represents a major blow to the rugby club in its preparations for next season's dark nights of training."

Anyone with information about either incident is asked to contact Newton Aycliffe police, on 0845 60 60 365.