A NEW appeal has gone out in a bid to track down thieves who stole more than £13,000 from a Gwent rugby club.

Blaina Rugby Social Club was left struggling to pay its bills after around £13,500 was taken from its safe in the early hours of New Year's Day.

Now the club has joined police in a renewed appeal for information. A £500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved in the burglary is still being offered by the club.

The theft was featured on a BBC Crimestoppers Daily programme in February, which included interviews with detectives and staff of the club.

But no-one has yet been arrested in connection with the burglary. The stolen cash included takings from Boxing Day and New Year's Eve, the two busiest days of the year for the club.

At the time the Argus reported how the money should have paid for Christmas stock - worth between £11,000 and £12,000.

The club was only insured for losses of up to £2,500 in cash, which was used to pay part of the brewery's bill.

Club treasurer Martin Powell said yesterday the bill would be paid off gradually. "If the brewery had said they had to have the money we would have had to shut the doors," said Mr Powell. "We are paying bills as we go along." He said he was astounded no information about the theft had been received, and he hoped someone would now come forward.

"We have not had a hint of anything," he said. "We are just keeping our fingers crossed now."

Detective Constable Andy Cullen, of Brynmawr police station, said: "For something this local, we would usually have heard something by now, even if it's just rumour or conjecture.

"I am sure there is someone out there who knows what went on."

Anyone with information about the burglary can contact Brynmawr police station on 01495 310773 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

*Pictured is club secretary Anthony Treharne alongside the safe from which the cash was stolen