VOLUNTEERS who run a BMX club in Hereford say they were 'absolutely gutted' to discover thieves had stolen a compressor used for operating a race gate.

The thieves broke into a shipping container – purchased earlier this year through funding from Sport England – to steal the compressor which was worth around £1,500.

It was used to operate a race gate for those who use the track on Westfaling Street, including families, young people and those who travel from as far afield as Birmingham or Telford.

Darren Rees, one of the treasurers for the club, said: “We are absolutely gutted. We thought that was the right way to securely keep the compressor on site [inside the shipping container] rather than keep it in the back of a van or something.

"We are not a registered charity we are just four guys trying to maintain it.

"It was gut-wrenching."

The volunteers made the discovery earlier this week but believe the theft took place within the last two weeks.

The track itself was built around five or six years ago through lottery funding and with support from Herefordshire Council.

"The track is ridable but the whole aim of having a track is that there can be a race gate, whether you are at a standard that you do want to race or just a father with a daughter or son that wants to participate," added Mr Rees.

"Being able to use the track to its full potential means having the start gate.”

There is no funding available from Herefordshire Council to replace the compressor so the club is now looking to raise funds to be able to do so.

Anyone who can help can email jph@herefordtimes.com

Anyone with any information or any witnesses should contact police on 101.