STAFF who run a cafe at an East Lancashire beauty spot said they had been left very upset after thieves stole a number of charity boxes.

Alison Crewdson and Leah Hodgson both work at Clough Head Visitor Centre and Cafe on the Grane Road in Haslingden, which has become the target of thieves for the second time in 18 months.

Alison Crewdson, assistant manager of the cafe, said: “The first thing we knew about the break-in was when the owner turned up to open up on Saturday.

“The thieves had broken in and helped themselves to our tips, three charity boxes and fishing permit money.

“We think whoever broke in knew what they were looking for and where it was, as there is just no way they would have been able to find it otherwise.

“This is the second time it has happened and it does make you feel uneasy when you are on your own.

“When things like this happen, you start wondering about what you will find when you open the door.”

Three charity boxes in aid of the Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue Team, the North West Air Ambulance and the RSPB were stolen, along with ice cream syrups, Flake bars and about £80 in cash.

The thieves jumped over a rear fence at the United Utilities-owned site and used an angle grinder to cut the lock off a metal shutter before peeling it back and climbing in through a window.

Service assistant Leah Hodgson said: “The police have advised us not to have charity boxes any more which is really sad as we were doing well.

“Visitors up here have been really generous and it is a shame someone has just helped themselves to it.”

The cafe has been leased from United Utilities by Beryl Cummings for three years.

A police spokesman said: “An investigation is currently ongoing into the burglary at the Clough Head Visitor Centre and Cafe.”