A GOLF shop was forced to close on Christmas Eve after raiders broke in and stole hundreds of pounds of clothes and equipment.

Mark Harling, who runs the pro shop at Accrington Golf Club, said he had been left devastated by the thefts, which came ahead of a family fun day planned at the site.

Mr Harling, 42, who has been the club professional for six years, said the yobs spent 30 minutes breaking through a metal gate before kicking down the back door of the property.

They stole sweaters, waterproofs and T-shirts before fleeing on foot across nearby fields.

Mr Harling said: “The shop looks like a bomb site. Christmas Eve is one of the busiest days of the year but I have had to close down.

“Hopefully I can get it open again as soon as possible.”

Two men have been arrested by police.