THE former secretary of a Blackburn social club has been convicted of stealing more than £80,000 from the organisation.

Brian Johnson, 63, of New Wellington Street, Blackburn, was found guilty of forgery and theft of £80,237 from the London Midland Railway Club, in Freckleton Street, Blackburn, between 1997 and 1998.

During the trial at Preston Crown Court, which lasted more than two weeks, he had pleaded guilty to using a false instrument and forgery.

Detectives investigating the incident said the lost money was uncovered by an accountant checking the annual figures after a number of repairs had been carried out on the club.

Detective Sergeant Ian Critchley said: "At the time Mr Johnson was secretary, there were a number of repairs done to the club and as a result of the accountant doing the books they discovered large holes in the accounts and Mr Johnson was charged with providing three false invoices to cover this up and charged with the theft of this money."

Mr Johnson was granted conditional bail and will appear for sentencing on July 20.