A SCOUT group have been left 'absolutely gutted' after thieves broke into their lock-up and stole £500 worth of equipment in a midnight raid.

Leaders of St George's Scouts, who are based in Mill Hill, Blackburn said the break-in happened sometime after 9pm on May 23 at their lock-up in Canalside Activity Centre.

The thieves, who broke into the trailer by ripping off one of its doors, made away with two BMX bikes, tomahawks, throwing angels and 15 whittling knives.

Stuart Parker, a leader of the scout group said: "The activity Centre is particularly busy at this time of year so we will need to replace the equipment quickly so we don't have to cancel any events.

"The centre is used by Scout and Guide Groups from right across the town. This is an extra cost which we will now have to find funding for which would have been better spent on our young people.

"In all the cost will be around £500 plus all the additional volunteer time."

Mr Parker's daughter, Katie Louise Parker, who is an explorer leader, said it 'sickens' her to think people can be so selfish.

She said: "The Scout group have volunteered a lot of time and put lots of money in developing an activity centre for both the community and for scouting.

"It deeply saddens me that people could be so selfish, especially when so much time and effort from St Georges scouts has gone into developing the land for all groups in Blackburn to use.

"The loss of equipment means that some activities aren't doable now the kit has been stolen."

The police have been informed about the break in and anyone with any information is asked to contact them on 101.

People are also being asked to keep and eye on on-line buy and sell pages for any equipment which matches the description of the stolen items.