BURGLARS raided a pub, smashing a window and games machines and leaving behind a trail of destruction.

But bosses at The Borough in Grimshaw Street, Darwen, gritted their teeth, cleaned up and didn’t let it ruin their Christmas.

Police said the burglars had broken in after smashing a rear window.

They caused a lot of damage in the pub and removed the CCTV, but were only able to take money out of a juke box and games machine.

Chris Worden, 25, licensee at the popular local, said it was the second break-in at the pub since he took it over earlier this year.

He said: “Last time they took the till and some charity boxes, so it hasn’t been anywhere near as bad this time.

“After the last break-in, which was a couple of months ago, I changed the way we handle money, which is why there was nothing in the till for them, and installed CCTV, but they took that with them.”

Mr Worden said he was called by a neighbour at 8am who told him there were three police cars outside the Trust Inns-owned pub.

He said: “I went up and at first they thought the burglar may still be inside.

“They caused a lot of damage but we cleaned up and opened the pub on the same day.

“We have to do what we can as we can’t afford to not open at this time of year.

“We had live entertainment with Jamie Mac that night.

“This is very upsetting, especially at this time of year, but we aren’t letting it stop us.”

Mr Worden said the break-in happened sometime between 2.15am and 8am on Saturday.

He said: “The stuff they took was all rented, so that isn’t a big problem.

“The main thing was the window. Getting hold of a glass fitter who wants to come out at this time of year is difficult.”