TWYFORD Social Club has raised thousands of pounds for security improvements following a break-in last month.

The burglars left a large amount of damage. Wall units were ripped out and doors smashed at the building on Queen Street, where a safe was stolen and the Poppy Appeal collection box emptied out.

But now, a month later, the club has surpassed its £2,000 fundraising target, with all the money going towards updating the security of the building to prevent future criminal damage.

Measures will include buying security shutters and CCTV.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday November 8, is thought to have caused damage estimated at around £5,000.

Amy Walsh, one of the managers of the club, who only took over recently, described their fundraising efforts as “a triumph”.

She added that the community had been “extremely supportive” and had raised more than £350 in raffle tickets, with a number of businesses donating the raffle prizes.

Jude’s Ice Cream, based at nearby Hazeley Road, near the village, donated a month’s worth of ice cream, Partridge Mini donated the hire of a brand new Mini for the weekend and Twyford Stores gave a hamper.

The Bridge Pub in nearby Shawford contributed a meal for two and a bottle of wine, Kids Today gave free admission for two children and Blakes hair and beauty salon, on Queen Street, donated a 90-minute pamper package.

Other prizes included a free £40 lawn treatment from Lawnmaster, a cut and blowdry from Hair Boutique, a keg of bitter and two packs of ale from Droxford micro-brewery Bowman Ales, two assessments from Twyford Physio and a Christmas tree from Wickes.