A HOUSE being refurbished on the Whitebirk estate in Blackburn was "stripped" by burglars who took everything including the central heating system.

Blackburn magistrates heard that word got round the estate and Mark Anthony Jones, although not involved in the theft, helped to arrange a buyer for six radiators.

Jones, 36, of Gloucester Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to assisting in the retention of six radiators.

A charge of burglary and theft of a boiler and six radiators was withdrawn.

The magistrates ordered the preparation of pre-sentence reports and Jones was remanded on bail until August 18.

Paul Schofield, defending, said Jones had played the role of go-between and had helped deliver the radiators but had received no financial reward.

"It would seem this house was stripped by the burglar or burglars," said Mr Schofield.

"My client was asked if he wanted to buy the radiators and said that he knew someone who might be interested.

"To his credit he told the police where the radiators had been taken to and that is why they were recovered intact," he added.