BURGLARS struck at a pine furniture factory in Blackburn stealing between £10,000 and £15,000 worth of tools and stock.

And David Hilley, owner of the Pine Workshops, Kent Street, has appealed to customers to be patient as they try to catch up and complete orders promised for Christmas.

"We were already under pressure and this is going to make things extremely difficult," said Mr Hilley. "I can only ask customers to be understanding of our position and assure them we are doing everything we can to meet our delivery dates.

"I have already started replacing the tools that were stolen and obviously the big machinery was not taken so we will be able to carry on working."

The raiders entered the premises on Friday night and used the firm's van to take away hand tools and items of furniture that had been manufactured to order. The van has since been recovered by the police.

Mr Hilley believes the thieves must have made more than one trip and he and the police are appealing for anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the Kent Street area to come forward.

Blackburn CID are investigating the incident and can be contacted on 01254 353569.