Community continues to rally around Long Sutton Cricket Club following burglary with support from residents, businesses, Freemasons and sports club

A community continues to rally around its cricket club after it had thousands of pounds worth of equipment stolen.

This weekend Long Sutton Cricket Club accepted a donation of £1,000 from Long Sutton Freemasonry - while councillors, sports teams. businesses and the public continue to back them.

Groundskeeping equipment – including mowers and a strimmer – was taken last month in a spate of burglaries in the area which police believe could be linked.

David Pateman of Long Sutton Freemasonry handed the cheque over to club vice-chairman and groundsman James Baker, with the SLBL Championship table-topping Saturday firsts watching on.

“They had heard about our theft of the cutting equipment and wanted to donate to the club to help us get back on our feet as soon as possible, and for all the good we do in the local community,” Mr Baker said.

But the goodwill hasn’t ended there.

Nick Thomas of Sutton Bridge-based Kwik Signs has offered 15 advertising banners to be used at Paradise Field, with proceeds going to the appeal while Long Sutton FC have challenged the cricketers to a fundraising match on Friday, July 14.

Local South Holland District Councillors Jack Tyrrell and David Wilkinson, and resident David Stearn, have each pledged £1,000 to back the club.

Further support has come from Holbeach and Fenland Gymanstics Club, rivals Moulton Harrox CC who are donating their match fines, and a GoFundMe page which has raised more than £5,700.

Long Sutton Freemasonry are based at the Garthwaite Memorial Masonic Hall, on Park Lane and welcome people who may be interested in finding out more about Freemasonry with a view to joining the craft to contact the lodge to arrange an initial informal chat.