HUNDREDS of pounds have been raised for a charity after it was struck by a series of break-ins.

Long Lane Garden Centre, which supports people with learning disabilities, was broken into five times in July and August with thieves causing thousands of pounds worth of damage by stealing bikes and tools.

But residents have rallied around the charity and raised a total of £600 to help improve their security.

Liz Cotterill, who has worked with the garden centre for three years in her role as community champion at Asda Cockhedge, set up an online fundraising page to help.

She said: “It was horrible – it was really hard to explain to these people with additional needs that they couldn’t go and tidy up the bikes because we had to wait for the police to come and take a look at it.

“I went home and I was quite upset about it and my husband came up with the idea of setting up a Just Giving page.

“The reaction has been amazing and we have had donations from people as far away as Australia.

“The money will now be used to get something substantial like fencing or a cabin for the bikes.”

Liz described Long Lane Garden Centre, which provides work in woodwork, gardening and floristry for people with learning disabilities, as an ‘integral part of the community’.

She added: “Once it’s protected properly and it’s the calm after the storm they can get back to doing what they do best, which is providing respite services for people with additional needs.

“It’s a vital service and a hidden gem.

“I feel quite humble when I go there and the people who benefit know my name and hug me – it’s an amazing experience and it has a beautiful atmosphere.

“If you can do something you should and I’ve just been lucky that my job has enabled me to do that.”