The theft of a second-hand dinghy from a sailing club in Dover has sparked a bitter thumbs down from the children who used it.

The dinghy, a Topper, is owned by the Cinque Ports Pirates Sailing Club and went missing from its base at Dover Sea Sports Centre on Thursday night last week.

Commodore Karen Amber said it has set them back by about £2,500, the cost of a new Topper.

“I can’t believe someone would do it.”

"We would really like it back" - Karen Amber Commodore Cinque Ports Pirates Sailing Club

The Topper is light blue and has DWSC engraved on it.

The club has use of about 30 boats, but they are loaned or rented from various sources. It only owns seven of its own, and fundraising to buy more is hard because of the stereotype that sailing is for the rich.

If you are offered a dinghy to buy, Miss Amber said: “Just check it because E Young sailors at the Royal Cinque Ports Pirates Sailing Club were disappointed to learn that one of their dinghies was stolen from where it was kept at Dover Sea Sports Centre. Picture Karen Amber.

If you have information in the whereabouts of the dinghy contact Kent Police on 101 or call Dover Sea Sports on 01304 212880.