A struggling horse sanctuary is counting the cost after being targeted once again.

In November, thieves broke into Rivendell's stables in Wrose and stole three rugs worth around £200 - and now they have been back for more.

Fed-up volunteers are urging other local stables and horse owners to watch out for people trying to sell second-hand rugs.

Rivendell trustee Rita Shaw, of Windhill, is convinced they are being hit because they are seen as an "easy target".

Rivendell was also hit in September, when arsonists burned down one of its shelters in All Alone Road. The shelter, used to home some of the hardier horses, was left with no roof and no floor.

The attack terrified three horses which were out in the field at the time but they were not hurt.

Mrs Shaw said: "The police seem surprised that we don't have CCTV but we don't even have electricity up there.

"We don't have big pots of money; we are just a poor sanctuary trying to do as much good as we can possibly manage."

Police are appealing for anyone with information linked to this weekend's theft to get in touch.

Between 6pm on Friday and 6am on Saturday, four rugs were removed from horses in the stable as well as one head collar and six outdoor rugs were also taken.

"The total we have lost in this burglary is around £500, if not more," said Mrs Shaw. "It's sickening that someone can do this. It hurts when the volunteers and other supporters go out of their way to give all the help they can to look after the horses and raise much-needed funds."

Earlier this month volunteers dressed up some of their tiny ponies for a festive walk round nearby houses which brought in £160 towards their upkeep.

In the past 12 months the charity has had to find £12,234 for feed and £4,467 in vets' fees.

Mrs Shaw said: "We need as much help as we can get to keep looking after the 30 horses we have here. We don't need any trouble. Whoever is doing this to us is doing it on purpose; they know we are an easy target.

"We would ask for help from local stables or people who own horses to get in touch either with us or the police if anyone approaches them and tries to flog any rugs. It has got to stop; we cannot afford for it to go on."

The Rivendell Equine Centre can be contacted via Mrs Shaw on (01274) 598206. Anyone with information for Keighley police can call (01535) 617059.