A CRICKET club that was targeted by thieves in April has gone on to enjoy a successful season.

Haughton Cricket Club, near Darlington, had a new £500 mower stolen just days into the season.

Thieves smashed the lock of a metal container to take the mower, which had been bought after years of fundraising.

But with help from the community, the club has enjoyed a successful season.

The first team are challenging at the top of the Darlington and District B division, and the second team are in the top half of the C division, with the season reaching its climax.

Club president Norman Sturman - who won The Northern Echo's Local Heroes award in 2002 - said: "We would like to thank all those for their aid in the aftermath of the break-in.

"We have received donations from the Mayor's Charitable Fund and Darlington Cricket and Athletic Club.

"We have also had donations from Mr K Dobinson and Mr D Walker. We were made offers of used garden mowers from Mr A Davenport and Mr N Whitehead, which we readily accepted.

"We returned to B&Q, in Portrack Lane, Stockton, to purchase a new mower and, thanks to the manageress, Mrs K Young, we were given almost as good a deal as the original sale price.

"The security of our container has been increased, but we have decided not to leave the mower at the ground."