RECORD donations have been made to the Poppy Appeal in Wantage this year, despite cash being stolen from two tins in the town.

The organiser of the appeal in Wantage and Charlton has thanked the public for their support in raising £12,832 for this year’s appeal — £1,500 more than last year.

David Drew, Poppy Appeal organiser for Wantage said: “In spite of the theft of money from poppy collection boxes, within Wantage and Charlton we have managed to raise £12,832.85, some £1,500 more than last year which, in itself, is a record.”

Adrian Holmes, 29, of Littlemore, Oxford, was jailed for a year at Didcot Magistrates’ Court after admitting stealing three Poppy Appeal collection tins on Remembrance Sunday and confessed to stealing five others.

He was caught on CCTV taking Royal British Legion tins from Rowes Newsmarket and at Charlton Park Garden Centre in Wantage.

Mr Drew said: “I am extremely grateful to all those who gave so generously over the Remembrance period this year.”

He thanked Phil Stevenson, of Charlton Park Garden Centre and Michael Brown, of Rowes Newsagents, for examining CCTV footage which led to Mr Holmes’ arrest.

He added: “I would also like to thank Michael Brown for the very kind donation of £210.00, which he and colleagues raised in recompense for the theft.

“Finally, I would thank all those who assisted with the collection.

“It is a sad fact of life that the work of the Royal British Legion and other charities such as Help the Heroes in helping ex-service men and women and their dependents has increased dramatically over the past few years, mainly due to the assistance required by those who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.”

More collectors are needed to help with next year’s appeal.

To get involved contact David Drew on 01235 835213 or email davidatpoho@aol.com