Organisers of a fundraising event have been left devastated after burglars broke into their home stealing personal belongings, TVs, raffle prizes and donations.

On Sunday afternoon, thieves entered the Great Harwood home of Sharon Hacking, who helps to run the brain tumour charity, In Between Ears.

Mrs Hacking, whose son, Jay Lynchehaun, was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of 25, had been collecting raffle prizes, money and donations for the charity's Ladies Who Lunch event, which is due to be held on April 7.

Mrs Hacking said: "I'm absolutely devastated. They've completely ransacked the house and taken a number of personal items as well as all the donations we were collecting for the event.

"To be honest, I'm more upset about the charity items being taken than my belongings."

Ladies Who Lunch is an annual fundraising event that has been taking place at Burnley's Turf Moor for the last six years.

It aims to raise money for In Between Ears, a small charity set up by Mr Lynchehaun, to support people between the ages of 18 and 40 who have been diagnosed with brain tumours.

Mrs Hacking said that last year they raised £16,000 for the charity, and with more than 500 ladies expected to attend the event in April, they were hoping to improve on that figure and raise £20,000.

She added: "People have been very generous with their donations and it takes a lot of effort to organise an event like this.

"For these to be stolen by idiots is very distressing."

A Go Fund Me page has now been set up to help raise money so they can replace the donations and ensure the event goes ahead as planned.

Mrs Hacking said: "Jay set this charity up six years ago as there was no support for people suffering with brain tumours in his age group.

"The charity not only helps people like Jay, but provides funding for UCLAN to research brain tumours too, and last year we donated £25,000 to them; so this is a massive blow for us."

Now 32, Jay is working part-time as a graphic designer and living in Clitheroe with his wife, Becky, and son, Teddy.

A police spokesperson said: "We were called at around 12pm on Sunday to reports of a burglary at a house in Kingsway in Great Harwood.

"The thieves had gained entry and have completely ransacked the property stealing two TV's, among other items.

"The burglary is thought to have happened between 2pm on Thursday and 12pm on Sunday.

"It is now under investigation but if anyone has any information they should contact the police on 101 quoting log number 670 of February 24."

Anyone wishing to help replace the stolen items can visit the fundraising page www.gofundme.com/inbetweenears-needs-your-help