MINIATURE railway club volunteers said they were 'heartbroken' after thieves broke into their clubhouse and stole £1,500 of equipment.

Mike Bailey, the secretary of Thompson Park Miniature Railway Society, said his members were angry thieves had dared to smash their way through a security door in yesterday's early morning raid.

As well as 12 new walkie-talkie radio sets funded by donations, the thieves ransacked cupboards and drawers stealing several pieces of older radio equipment and a small amount of cash.

Community leaders hailed the miniature railway as a real 'asset' and urged anyone who knew who had been responsible to contact police.

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Mr Bailey said said the walkie-talkies help with the security of the site and make the day-to-day running of things smoother.

He said: "One of the guys went to get something from the clubroom yesterday morning and saw the aftermath.

"We are all very annoyed and devastated about what's happened. The place was a mess.

"We provide a simple pleasure for the public and it is those, the innocent ones, who suffer now.

"Altogether we think it's about £1,500 of equipment which has been taken.

"We are heartbroken. The walkie-talkies cost a lot of money and now we've got to replace them.

"The railway is a non-profit organisation and all the money we make goes back into the trains.

"We had a great few days last weekend but the money we made off that will have to go towards new equipment."

The society was set up in 1990 by a few miniature railway enthusiasts and has now grown to more than a dozen volunteers.

Trains run every Saturday, Sunday, bank holiday Monday and Wednesday during school holidays.

Mr Bailey said: "We are shocked the thieves managed to get through the security door.

"We had that installed to be tough enough to keep thieves out, but it looks like someone has got a crowbar to it and got in.

"I'm thankful none of the trains were taken or damaged, it looks like they just went for the clubroom."

Cllr Lubna Khan, who represents the area on Burnley Council, said the theft was really upsetting.

She said: "The miniature railway is an asset to Burnley and it's something we should celebrate, not steal from.

"The volunteers put in a great deal of hard work and effort, which lots of families, children and miniature rail enthusiasts enjoy.

"The railway is something we are proud of. No one should target it like this."

A police spokesman said: "We were called yesterday morning after reports of a burglary between the hours of 4.30am and 8am.

"Around 12 new radios were taken and a small amount of cash, other radios were also taken.

"Those involved had broken through the front door.

"No one has been arrested but if anyone has any information about the incident they are asked to contact the police and quote the log number EF 1709300."