A popular family attraction is begging for support after thieves stole thousands of pounds worth of fittings.

Last Friday night, criminals took "up to £10,000" of brass and copper fittings from East Lancashire Railway.

The heritage site announced the theft on Twitter earlier today.

They added: "This couldn’t have come at a worse time for us.

"Again we are asking for support, with your help, we can all get through this together!"

The registered charity has posted a link to a fundraising campaign to keep the site running.

East Lancashire Railway had previously announced that they would be closing the railway to slow the spread of coronavirus.

The closure is set to have a significant impact on the organisation, and the amount the railway is set to lose in the coming weeks could threaten the future of the service.

So far, £2,700 has been raised to keep the wheels turning for future passengers.

The government has not yet offered any monetary aid or support to charitable organisations affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Visit the East Lancashire Railway fundraising page for more information.