A FOOTBALL club which had thousands of pounds worth of equipment stolen has issued an update as it continues to fundraise for a replacement.

Bude Town Football Club has been seeking support after its New Holland Boomer 25 Compact tractor was stolen at the start of December.

It is thought to be a series of thefts from local sporting groups, including those in Holsworthy and Newton Abbot.

Commenting on the decision, a spokesperson from the club said: “As you may know, on Saturday, December 13, Bude Town Football Club was sadly broken into, and our tractor was stolen. This has truly been a devastating setback for us.

“The tractor is essential and crucial to the daily operation and maintenance of our football grounds at Broadclose Park and the youth pitches next door. This tractor was not just a piece of equipment, it was our biggest asset and it played a vital part in keeping the pitches safe, playable, and up to the high standards for football matches.”

While police continue to pursue lines of inquiry, Bude’s beloved football club has been forced to ask the community for support in funding the purchase of a replacement tractor.

Valued at £16,500, the tractor is a big loss for the club, however, this week club representatives have provided an update as another local club has played its part in ensuring Bude’s football teams are able to continue playing and training on the club’s ground.

A spokesperson from the club said: “We would like to say a massive thank you to Andrew Moores and Halwill Football Club for letting us borrow their tractor whilst we are working out the insurance and funding for the one that we had stolen before Christmas. We really appreciate their generosity and kindness in our hour of need.”

A local business has also played a roll in helping the club.

The spokesperson continued: “Big appreciation to Sheridan Goatcher from Kernow Garage ltd and Jenson who went to collect and drop off the tractor for us.

“We have been inundated with people offering us help and support from across the football and wider community and we cannot thank you all enough - losing our tractor is a big loss to our club and it will take some time to get it all figured out.”

The club has also thanked those who have donated to its GoFundMe as they aim to raise as much as possible. So far, the community has shown its generosity, donating more than £1,600.

The spokesperson added: “Lastly, another big thank you to everyone that has donated to our GoFundMe Page - these vital funds will be a huge help as we seek a replacement so that the local children and adults can carry on enjoying their football.:

Those looking to donate to the cause can do so via: gofund.me/029cb062b.

Anyone with information regarding the tractor’s theft are encouraged to contact Devon and Cornwall Police, quoting Crime Reference Number: 50250320306.