A group of New Addington dance students were left heartbroken after the community centre where they practice after school was broken into.

Amanda Grace has run her dance classes at the Addington Community Centre for 18 years and was disgusted to hear that the building had been broken into on Thursday (October 12).

To make matters worse, Mrs Grace kept nearly £200 worth of donations at the centre, all of which was stolen.

"It's the kids' money that has been taken really," she said.

"We're being moved to a new studio next year when this centre closes, and the money we raised was going towards some much needed upgrades at the new place.

"It's just so frustrating."

Among the items stolen were two stereos, an iPod, the donation bucket with £150 and a box of sweets.

"I got a phone call when I was taking my son to school and my heart sunk," Mrs Grace said.

"Some of the parents have offered to bring stereos and thing so that the kids can still dance, but it's gutting to say the least.

"All the money we raised was going to be used for the community and for the kids. It hurts to see this happen."

Addington Judo Club, which runs out of the community centre, was also targeted by the burglars.

The community immediately rallied behind the groups though.

"I would like to try and help by giving a CD player or something so you may carry on teaching these young kids," one person wrote on facebook. "As soon as I get home from work I will see what I got, if not I will buy one out of my own pocket."

Martyn Berry, Mrs Grace's father, took to social media thanking the community for its help.

"On behalf of my daughter, Amanda Grace, principal of Dance with Grace, can I thank everyone from New Addington and beyond for their kind support and offers of help," he said.

"This morning she was on the verge of giving up. Stating she could get a job as a learning assistant without the worry.

"But the support shown to her has made her determined to carry on. As she said stereos can be replaced but the money was from the pupils using their pocket money to buy tuck to help refurbish the new building. Once again thank you everyone."

A Met spokesman said police were made aware of the incident on Thursday morning.

Anyone with information should call the Met on 101.