THIEVES twice targeted an animal charity shop in Leigh town centre.

After smashing through the back door of the PDSA branch in Bradshawgate on Friday night, intruders broke into an office and stole a television, CDs, watches and gold chains and cash from donations boxes plus £40 Grand National sweepstake money.

Shop manager Gill Baxendale said they could not estimate the total value of goods taken on the Friday night raid.

She said: "We are sickened by it. We are all volunteers giving up our spare time. This act is demoralising. The thieves were unconcerned that it was a charity shop."

The PDSA shop was hit again over the weekend. On Monday morning an attempted break-in was discovered and a crowbar was found behind the shop which police took away for forensic tests.

On Tuesday manager Gill said: "The shop was forced to close for one day to clear up all the mess. However, we are now fully open and all donations will be welcome."