DONATIONS of tools and cash from residents and businesses have helped Stubbylee Community Greenhouses in Bacup recover after a ‘devastating’ burglary.

The break-in at the charity-run project last month prompted several people to come forward with donations, including a local businessman who has provided a state-of-the-art security and an alarm system worth thousands of pounds for the centre in Stubbylee Lane.

More than £3,000 of tools bought with a Big Lottery grant for the community scheme for people with mental health issues were stolen in the raid on June 6, along with £3,000 of tools brought in by visitors, many of whom have collected over a lifetime.

Richard Wallwork, a director and trustee of the project, said the volunteers and wider community had pulled together following the raid.

He said: “The spirit of the people on site has been quite amazing. After the break-in our main concern was people coming in and being devastated by losing their work and tools that were part of their own recovery.

“That happened a little bit, but there’s a great sense of togetherness and community around the place.”

Standout donors include an elderly woman who had become too infirm to use her strimmer and lawn mower, a retiring joiner who gave many of his professional tools, and Cormar Carpets, that gave £1,000 to replace members’ personal tools after discovering a relative of a managing director had benefited from the charity’s work.

Mr Wallwork added: “We have some absolutely amazing mentors who are experienced tradesmen. It’s been so good that these donations have allowed them to get back on their feet and we are very thankful to everyone who’s helped us.”