TWO brothers who volunteer at a club for children and adults with learning difficulties have had their bikes stolen from outside the centre.

Anthony Agar, 20, of Brimham Court, Redcar, and his brother, Derek, 23, of Kirkleatham Lane, who both have learning disabilities, spend three hours every evening helping with activities for children with special needs at the Grenfell Club in Ridley Street, Redcar.

On Wednesday night, the brothers left their bikes, which are their only means of transport, behind the centre on private property as usual.

When they came to go home their machines, a BMX and mountain bike, had vanished.

Anthony said: "We feel like we must have been watched coming to the club recently because you'd have to make an effort to go round the side of the building and down and alley way to see them.

"Another volunteer had left a much cheaper bike next to ours and they didn't bother to take that."

Samantha Jones, daytime co-ordinator at the centre, said: "We were broken-hearted when we realised what had happened. It seems so unfair. Anthony and Derek give up every evening to help out here and we consider them to be part of our team.

"We can't claim the bikes on insurance because we have to pay the first £250 of a claim."

Anyone with information should call (01642) 302626.