A rugby coach has launched a fund-raising appeal after thieves stole a disabled access ramp from outside the clubhouse in Peterborough.

The specially-made ramp was taken from the Thorney Rugby Club, in Crowland Road, a few weeks ago even though the device was chained to the building.

Now under-14s team coach Tom Keen has launched a.Gofundme appeal to raise the money needed to buy a new access ramp.

He said: “We need to get a new access ramp as soon as possible.

placeholder image — The Thorney Rugby clubhouse

"But the club is run and funded by volunteers. The team coaches are volunteers, we do our own grounds maintenance.

"So I launched the appeal to help us raise the money for a new ramp.

"I think we’ll need about £500 or £600.

Tom said: “The ramp was made by a club member at his place of work a few years ago and donated to us.

"It had to be specially made as the door to the club house is fairly high off the ground.

“The ramp is well used. We have eight teams for youngsters and a lot of grandparents like to come and watch the matches. The toilets and other facilities are in the club house.

"It is also an important means of access to the club for players who have occasional injuries.

"On a Sunday match day we get about 100 cars here each with about three or four people, so the clubhouse is well used.”

Tom said the ramp was stolen a few weeks ago.

"He said: “The thieves cut through the chain. I think the ramp was the lightest thing made of metal they could easily carry off. The scrum machine was there as well but it’s a lot heavier and they left it alone.”

Anyone who would like to donate can visit the Gofundme page at www.gofundme.com/f/thorney-rufc-disabled-ramp