Thieves who have put two safety boats out of action could be risking lives, says a sailing club spokesman.

Engines have been taken from two boats, honouring two stalwart members of Blakeney Sailing Club, leaving organisers 'in a muddle,' according to club secretary Patsy Seymour.

The two engines, together worth �4,5000 to �5,0000, were taken from the back of the boats at Blakeney Quay sometime between 7pm on Sunday June 12 and 5pm on Tuesday June 14.

'We're very fed up about it,' said Mrs Seymour. 'They're used as rescue boats. If there's a dinghy sailor out on the water in trouble - or anyone at all - we would use them.

'It's a fairly nasty, mean thing to do - to take something used for safety purposes which could save a life.'

The safety boats were launched last August and were named Hereward's Wake, in memory of Canon Hereward Cooke, who lived in the village and was a former deputy leader of Norwich City Council, and Page Buoy, recognising the service of Philip Page, the only remaining founder member of the club from its 1939 beginnings.

Mrs Seymour said the engines were insured but the club would have to decide whether it was worth replacing them with the risk that they could be stolen again.

'We borrowed a boat from one of the members last weekend but we don't know what to do longer term at the minute,' she added.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crimes or who can help the police should ring PCSO Becky Taylor at Wells Police Station on 0845 456 4567 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.