Soccer treat for armed raid staff

Darren Huckerby celebrates after scoring against Tamworth

Six people working at a non-league football club when armed robbers struck after a major FA Cup tie are to be given VIP treatment at a match.

A shotgun and machete-style knife were used in the raid by three men at Tamworth after the Staffordshire side's home game against Norwich on 6 January.

The East Anglian Championship club have now invited the workers to Tuesday's home league match with Birmingham City.

Tamworth described it as a "fantastic gesture" from a "very nice club".

'Due respect'

The employees, three men and three women, will have a meal and watch the game from VIP seats.

Afterwards they will be taken to the directors' lounge, where they can rub shoulders with the likes of Norwich's co-owner and TV chef Delia Smith.

Tamworth's general manager, Russell Moore, said Norwich were a joy to deal with at January's third round cup tie at The Lamb, which the visitors won 4-1.

He said: "They weren't acting superior. Norwich City not so many years ago were playing in Europe, but they afforded Tamworth due respect."

Mr Moore said a "substantial" amount of money was taken in the raid, which happened as staff were shutting a building after a function in the evening.

'Credit to club'

He said one person was tied up and others were forced to lie on the floor.

Staffordshire Police are appealing for anyone with information about the incident at the clubhouse to contact Tamworth CID or Crimestoppers.

A spokesman for Norwich said: "We want them to have a special day to make up in some small way for the horrific experiences they suffered after our cup game in January.

"The welcome and the professionalism from all of the staff was a credit to the club and the Conference."

Tamworth are currently struggling near the bottom of the Conference table.