THE former vice-chairman of Clitheroe FC has been arrested by police investigating alleged theft and deception at the club.

Mark Gidlow was interviewed at Greenbank police station, in Blackburn, for eight hours yesterday before being released on police bail.

It is understood the investigation began after a complaint from committee members at the club, which has been close to folding.

Club officials said the Unibond League Division One side was kept afloat at the end of last year by its success in cup competitions, particularly the FA Trophy.

Detective Inspector Aiden McHugh said they had spoken to a man from the Clitheroe area in relation to the allegations, although he had not been charged.

He said: "I can confirm that a man has been arrested in connection with an investigation into a number of theft and deception-related offences.

"One of the parties who approached the police and made a formal complaint was Clitheroe Football Club.

"He has now been released on police bail to allow further inquiries into these allegations."

A spokesman for the new Clitheroe FC committee said: "As of January 16 the club formed a new committee and since that day we have been trying to rescue things behind the scenes.

"We were within a fortnight of going out of existence."

Mr Gidlow was a coach at a local youth side for seven years before joining Clitheroe FC.

Clitheroe FC, who currently lie in 16th place in the league with 34 points, was founded in 1877 at the Swan Hotel, in Castle Street, by a group of local businessmen.