A FUNDRAISING appeal has been launched to help pay for repairs at Stourbridge's Green Duck Brewery which has been left with a costly bill after a break in.

The popular brewery in Rufford Road was broken into last week and, although nothing significant was stolen, it will likely cost thousands of pounds to repair the damage done.

Alex Hill, owner and head brewer at the Green Duck, said two people broke in to the premises in the early hours last Thursday (February 13) and "ripped off the metal security gate that goes over our front door". He added: "They ripped the door frame out, broke through and got into our bar area and took the float out of the till."

But he said the damage caused was the most disheartening aspect - adding: "For us to put that right it's going to cost us £3,500. Being a small business, it's a lot of money to find."

Loyal customer John Trainor, however, has kindly launched an online fundraising appeal to help raise the £3,500 to fix the damage as soon as possible and to help bolster security at the site to ensure it is well protected against crime in the future.

He said: "To all who love the brewery and enjoy the taproom, this is our time to help out the Green Duck. All they do for charity and the events they put on for us (beer/rum festivals they don’t charge entry for) and reasonable bar prices.

"If everyone that enjoys the taproom donated £1we’d soon get to the target. 100 per cent of any donations will go straight to the Green Duck."

To make a donation go to gofundme.com and search Green Duck Brewery Repairs & Security Improvements.

CCTV footage from the premises has been handed over to the police and a spokesman for West Midlands Police confirmed the incident was being investigated and said: "Enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to get in touch via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk, or by calling 101, and quote crime reference number 20DY/40374V/20."