A FOOTBALL club is set to benefit from over a thousand pounds raised after thieves stole equipment and vandalised the club’s shed.

Damage was caused to football strips and equipment belonging to Heddon Juniors FC between June 6 and June 7, causing disruption to the team’s plans for the season ahead.

Club chairman, Liam Duffy, said: “We calculated beforehand that £500 would be enough to replenish the equipment that was stolen or damaged.

“As a club, we’re only two years old so we don’t have a lot of money in the bank. But the support has been overwhelming. It’s more than we could ever think of.”

Within hours, the £500 target has been exceeded with the total raised so far at £1,010.

And the club hasn’t just received donations from Tynedale. Supporters have included football teams and members of the public from across the North-East.

Liam added: “It’s happened at the worst possible time as we’re getting more and more new players into the club. For the new season we have 17 squads with a huge number of new players who rely on the equipment and resources we provide.”

Police said the break-in at Selman Park, East Heddon, happened between 8pm on Thursday, June 6 and 3pm on Friday, June 7.

The offenders stole sports equipment from the shed, including footballs, pop up goals and corner flags. A paint can, used to paint the lines on the pitch, was also cut open, which stained valuable kit.

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 ref 771 07/06/19.