Ex-servicemen were traumatised after thieves raided their social club twice in five days.

Burglars smashed a double-glazed window to get into the Royal Air Force Association Club in Ashacre Lane, Durrington, at 3.20am on Friday and again at the same time yesterday.

They stole about £800 in change from two fruit machines in the first raid and £500 from the same machines in the second.

Club treasurer Victor Scuse said the thefts would not only cost the club hundreds of pounds in extra security but had also deeply affected the former RAF men who drank there.

He said: "This is an ex-servicemen's club and our members aren't young. It has become quite traumatic for them.

"As they advance in years what would not mean as much to us, is a trauma to them. They begin to imagine what might happen at their own home and to them.

"It's frustrating and annoying and very stressful. Our 66-year-old steward had to get up in the early hours both times after police phoned him."

Staff spent five hours clearing up broken glass on Friday. Yesterday the thieves broke in through boarding still covering the smashed window.

The club now plans to fit metal bars at the windows and CCTV cameras.

Despite the fruit machines being a target for thieves, Mr Scuse refuses to get rid of them.

He said: "The machines are essential to the club's survival and income. Without them the club wouldn't exist."

Police want to trace two men seen in the area after the first raid. They were 5ft 10in tall, wearing dark hooded jackets and blue jeans.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0845 6070999.