A COMMUNITY has united for a fundraising drive after burglars ransacked a clubhouse and stole money earmarked for a charity and pensioners’ Christmas lunch.

More than £1,000 in cash was stolen from Richmondshire Cricket Club’s safe and charity boxes, as well as £1,000 of stock, including a laptop, TV and prizes for a Christmas raffle in the raid on Friday, October 28.

The burglary, during which doors were smashed and food was thrown around the kitchen of the clubhouse in Hurgill Road, Richmond, took place a day before the club’s junior presentation evening.

A spokeswoman for the club said after learning of the raid, local businesses, including J & H Meynell Pet and Garden Supplies, Castle Walk Sports and Richmond Pharmacy, came forward with replacement raffle prizes and donations, while volunteers cleaned up the clubhouse.

Vivien Lowes, the club’s stewardess, said she had been astonished by the number of who residents who had called in to offer their support and put money into the collection boxes.

She said: “It’s humbling to realise just how many people are batting on your side.”

The event saw £477 raised for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, £200 for the pensioners' Christmas fund and £105 for the annual Children's Christmas party.

Andy Barlow, the club’s junior chairman, said: “I’m absolutely delighted with the response. Less than a day after the break-in, the club and its supporters have come together to show we won’t be beaten by these callous individuals.”

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said no-one has been arrested over the raid, but patrols in the area had been stepped up.

Anyone with information about the burglary should call 0845-60-60-24-7, quoting reference number 12110182721.