THIEVES almost ruined pensioners' big day when they stole the money saved for a trip to Brighton.

Some £360 was taken from a locked box in the old people's home in Bellinger Way, Kidlington, in July 1989.

Residents had given their holiday money to the warden Sue Tweddle for safe keeping and cash raised from fundraising events was also locked away.

But thieves opened the box with a set of keys, leading staff to believe it was 'someone who knew what they were doing.'

Mrs Tweddle said: "I think it is rotten, mean and despicable for anyone to do such a thing.

"If the thieves did know what they were doing, then they probably knew what the money was to be used for."

Luckily, the coach trip was still able to go ahead, thanks to the kind-heartedness of the coach operator.

Graham Parry, who ran Goldline Coaches, agreed to drive the group on the trip and only take payment when the home could afford it.

An appeal was launched in Kidlington to raise the lost money.

Parish and district councillor Paul Toon said at the time: "People throughout the whole of Kidlington are rallying around to make sure the old people don't miss out.

"We want to raise not just the £360 but more for another holiday, because this one has been spoiled."