A CHURCH which doubles up as a food bank has been broke into for the third time, causing hundreds of pounds’ worth of damage.

When volunteers arrived at The Well, Farnworth Baptist Church, on Thursday morning, they were horrified to see windows and doors smashed in following a break in.

Later management realised a laptop worth around £500 had been taken during the overnight burglary.

The centre, in partnership with the church, helps 100 people a week through the food bank and other services, including English classes and mental health drop-ins.

Food bank manager Mark Whittington said: “I’m really disappointed to come into the building to find that yet again it’s been broken into.

“I’m pretty sure everyone in the community knows we work here yet people are still trying to get in here to take what little stuff we have.

“They’ve mad a big mess again. Broken in through a window, smashed their way in - it’s a real shame.

“It’s just really gutting people choose to do this, but what we are grateful for is all the support from the local community.”

READ MORE: Man sent to hospital after wrench assault in Halliwell

The last time the food bank was broken into was back in November, when a TV was stolen and damage also caused.

A police spokesman said: “We were called at 9.25am on May 13 to a report of a burglary that took place overnight between 5pm and 9am at Farnworth Baptist Church, Trafford Street.

“The offenders gained entry by smashing through a window. Initial enquiries suggested nothing was stolen. No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.”

Any information should be reported by calling 101, quoting incident 761 of May 13. Details can also be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

It is currently unknown whether insurance will cover the stolen laptop, but a fundraiser has been set up to cover any damages.

READ MORE: Bolton coronavirus cases now highest in UK