The club faces a bill running into thousands of pounds to repair ceilings, doors and the burglar alarm at its clubhouse in North Pickenham Road after a break-in between 2pm on Tuesday, June 24, and 6.30am the following day.

Club youth chairman Ian Milligan said: "The value of goods taken wasn't massive, however the method of the burglary has left the club on its knees.

"The intruders broke into a service room of the club and from there smashed their way into the roof space, where they attempted to vandalise the alarm system before dropping back down through the ceiling into the main area of the club.

"At this point, with the alarm sounding and services on their way to investigate, the intruders left."

Mr Milligan said the club ran on limited finances and had intended to buy training equipment for use with its mini and youth sections and its work in schools – but "this will need to be reviewed and in all probability shelved".

He added: "It is really sad that a club committed to providing an outlet for young people has been targeted by the very people it could have provided an opportunity to."

Police have appealed for witnesses, or information, to contact Swaffham Police on 0845 456 4567, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

• Three teenagers, one aged 17 and two aged 16, appeared in court at Lynn last Thursday accused of burgling the rugby club and other offences.

The 17-year-old was remanded in custody and the two 16-year-olds were released on conditional bail to appear at Norwich Crown Court on Thursday, July 10, for a plea and directions hearing.