BURGLARS broke into a dog training centre in Bury — as the owner was celebrating her graduation.

Jane Ardern attended a graduation ceremony at Beverley Minster on Saturday with her dog, working cocker spaniel Pickles, after achieving a BSc (Hons) in canine behaviour and training from Hull University.

But as she drove home to Bury New Road, Whitefield, on Sunday morning, she received a phone call to say her business had been targeted by thieves.

They forced open a door at Wagga-Wuffins, in Samuel Street, Bury, smashed doors and windows inside, and stole the £30 till float.

Ms Ardern, who earned the degree after five years of distance learning with Bishop Burton College, said: “I was coming home thinking what a wonderful weekend I’d had. It was nice to finally graduate — five years is a long time.

“Finding out that the centre had been broken into turned my stomach.”

The burglary happened between 8.45pm on Friday and 11am on Sunday, and was discovered by a cleaner.

When Ms Ardern, aged 38, arrived at the centre, police officers were already there. An investigation was launched, though no arrests have yet been made.

Ms Ardern said: “The door had been kicked in and there was glass everywhere. I was disgusted when I saw it. I would urge anyone who knows what has happened to call the police. This is a small business and it has had a big impact financially.”

A range of sessions are held at the centre each week for pet dogs, from agility and obedience to puppy socialisation classes.

Anyone with information about the burglary can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.