THE future of a charity for disabled sailors is in doubt after thousands of pounds worth of radio-controlled models were stolen during a burglary.

Thieves broke in to Fareham Models and Raceway in Cranleigh Road, Portchester , before making off with specialist stock worth £20,000.

The shop is part of The Disabled Sailors Association, which provides sailing experiences for thousands of disabled people every year.

Volunteers raise funds to keep the charity going by repairing and selling on remote controlled car, boat and helicopter models.

Now bosses fear they may have to close down through lack of funds after thousands of pounds of damage was caused during the break-in.

Chairman Mike Wood said rare items that took weeks to renovate had been among the stolen goods while specialist sailing equipment for disabled people was also taken.

He said: “It is totally soul destroying and it made me feel sick.

“I have been doing this for 20 years and we have never had anything like this happen. We provide sailing for up to 2,500 people each year and we believe it is something nobody else in the world offers.

“We need the shop to help pay the bills. It may be that we can struggle through the next month or two but after that I don't know what we are going to do.”

Anyone who witnessed the burglary, between Saturday lunchtime and Monday lunchtime, should contact Park Gate police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.