A POPULAR bar steward and his wife have been charged with the theft of £50,000 from a workingmen's club.

Regulars at the club in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, have expressed their shock at the allegations that the couple siphoned off the money over a period of four years.

Police last night confirmed that Alan Gregg, 42, had been charged with theft from the Osborne Workingmen's Club, in Osborne Road.

His wife Lisa, 35, who worked as a stewardess at the club, has been charged with theft and false accounting, in connection with the disappearance of the cash.

The last known address of the couple was at a house in Osborne Road, directly opposite the club.

Detectives, who were alerted by club officials to the missing funds, first arrested the couple several months ago.

A police spokesman said last night: "The investigation has taken some time as the allegations were said to have taken place over a long period of time - about four years.

"We have also had to interview a number of witnesses, before preparing a file for the Crown Prosecution Service.

"Mr and Mrs Gregg were charged on Monday."

It is understood the couple had been employed by the club, which is situated next to a car park just outside the town centre, since 2001.

Yesterday, club officials declined to comment and customers were asked by staff not to talk to the Press on the premises.

However, one regular leaving the club said: "Everyone has been shocked by the allegations.

"They have been a very popular couple with the customers."

The club has 1,700 male members and 600 female members.

The couple have been bailed to appear before Consett magistrates on October 6.