BURGLARS helped themselves to a cup of Bovril after breaking into a County Durham football club just weeks after a similar offence occurred at the ground.

Intruders forced their way through the main gates and two locked doors at Newton Aycliffe Football Club's (NAFC) home at Moore Lane Park in Newton Aycliffe sometime overnight on Monday, January 6 to Tuesday, January 7.

The break-in came less than two months after thieves ransacked the same portable cabins at the amateur side’s ground and made off with cash, a plasma screen television and computer.

On this occasion, there was nothing to steal but it is believed the thieves enjoyed a cup of tea and a Bovril before they left empty handed.

Damage was also caused to the locks, which had recently been replaced following the burglary on November 25.

Dan Lewis, general manager of NAFC, said: “It is very frustrating but this time there was nothing for them to take, as we haven’t replaced the TV or computer yet.

“We think they had a hot drink while they were here as the boiler was dripping and the tea bags and Bovril were pulled forward on the counter.”

NAFC is run by volunteers who work all year to raise funds to keep it going.

Newton Aycliffe Police Team is appealing to anyone with information about the incident to contact 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555-111.