SCRAP metal thieves have stolen thousands of pounds of metal from the Elsecar heritage railway line.
About 40 'seats', which attach the sleeper to the track, were taken from the registered charity last week.
Chairman Malcolm Banks said the thefts were a expense the charity could do without.
He said: "It is money that we can't afford to spend on replacing them. They could cost about £150 to £200 to replace. If we have to have them cast again it will be expensive.
"We are a voluntary group and a registered charity but that doesn't stop some people."
Police have warned scrap metal dealers they could be prosecuted if they are found to be in possession of stolen goods.
PC Paul Davies said: "These are unusual items and therefore should be easily identifiable. I would warn people not to accept scrap of this nature unless they are certain they know where it has come from."
