BREAK-ins at premises in Barnoldswick town centre have prompted locals to pull together and help them get back on their feet.

On Friday March 17, Pendle Nursery, in Fountain Street, was broken into and forced to closed for security reasons.

Less than a month earlier, burglars broke into Barlic Bites, in Albert Road, and stole money from the sandwich shop’s safe.

Staff at the nursery were heartbroken and children were left in tears when they learned the nursery had been ransacked.

However, members of the community have rallied to help get the businesses back on their feet and have so far raised almost £1,500 for Pendle Nursery.

John Rose Parker, who launched the Just Giving page, said: "We're all shocked and disgusted by the recent break-in at Pendle Nursery.

"Many have sent children there, or even went there themselves when they were young, so this feels very personal to us all.

"The idea behind this fundraiser is to give the nursery some funds to spend on whatever they need to help make things better."

The staff at the nursery say they are overwhelmed by the response and support they’ve received.

Help is on hand for the sandwich shop too. Mandy Boardman, owner of Barlic Bites, said: “I can’t believe how many people are helping us after our break in. They took all of our takings and the girls' tip money was in the safe. Everyone is being so generous.

“Andrew Gilmour, guitarist, songwriter and music teacher is arranging a music night at the Civic Hall on Saturday, April 1 to help raise the money we lost.

“We are insured but as everyone knows, they don't cover everything.

"It's really difficult for us small businesses to bounce back from this but hopefully, thanks to the support, we will.”

Tickets for the fundraiser music event at Civic Hall, Station Road, cost £10 and are available to purchase from Barlic Bites.

Police are conducting enquiries into a series of burglaries in Barnoldswick town centre.

PC Gareth Ingram said: “I wanted to let you know about the work the police are undertaking to assure you that crimes in Barnoldswick and its outer lying areas are being taken seriously.

“Between myself, PCSO Neil Wallin and other members of the Neighbourhood Policing Team in Pendle we will always try our best and do what we can to help anybody who is suffering crime or anti-social behaviour.

“If anyone has any information at all regarding these burglaries, get in touch with myself or Neil. We will investigate any information passed to us and see if it can lead us to prosecuting the perpetrators.”

He said numerous CCTV cameras from the crime scenes and surrounding areas as well as CCTV for entry for entry and exit points to Barnoldswick that previous offenders have used have been looked at.

You can donate to the Pendle Nursery fundraiser at: https://bit.ly/3yXuEB5