THOUSANDS of pounds raised for a cancer charity by children at a village school has been stolen.

The money was raised by children at Wark First School, who took part in the Race for Life on the village green on May 23, to raise money for Cancer Research.

But four days later, burglars broke into the school and made off with the safe which contained the proceeds collected so far – a total of £2,000.

Headteacher, Amanda Taylor, said not all the sponsor money raised for the race had been collected, but the community were now rallying together to raise even more to make up as much of the losses as possible.

The community fund-raising effort included a curry night organised by the Children’s Food Trust’s “Let’s Get Cooking” volunteers.

Amanda said: “Although it’s unlikely we will raise the same amount, I’m sure the community will be fully behind fund-raising the stolen money.

“The Race for Life and curry night have shown that there’s plenty of innovative ideas for fund-raising.”

A collection box has been placed in Wark Post Office to try and make up the balance.

The school awards the Cooper Cup to a different pupil who takes part in the race and this year it was presented to eight-year-old Chloe Wright, who completed the highest number of laps during the race – a grand total of 47.

Northumbria Police received reports of the burglary after the damaged safe was found near the school.

A police spokesman said: “Suspects were believed to have entered the school between around 9.30am on Saturday, May 26 and 2.11pm on Sunday, May 27.”

Police also received reports of a burglary at the Battlesteads Hotel in the village at 7.04pm on Sunday, May 27. The police recovered a till drawer and tip box close to the scene, though no money was stolen. Suspects were believed to have entered the property at around 1.30am and then fled the scene.

It is believed both crimes could be related.

Anyone who has information about the incidents should call 101 quoting crime number 069061U/18.