These happy pensioners were looking forward to a day at the seaside, despite losing the money they had collected to pay for it.

Thieves had stolen £360 from a locked box in the warden’s office at the elderly people’s homes in Bellinger Way, Kidlington.

Despite the loss, the trip to Brighton went ahead, after Graham Parry, who ran Goldline Coaches from Woodstock and was driving that day, agreed to wait for the money.

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He is seen above in 1989 being given a thank-you lift by warden Sue Tweddle, centre, and volunteer helpers June Simpson, left, and Shirley Irvine as everyone waited to board the coach.

The stolen box included not only money for the trip but cash from other fundraising events.

Mrs Tweddle said: “The box was opened with a set of keys. It would seem it was someone who knew what they were doing.

“I think it is rotten, mean and despicable for anyone to do such a thing. If the thieves did know what they were doing, they probably knew what the money was to be used for.”

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

Parish councillor Paul Toon said: “People are rallying round 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.”

Sanctuary Housing continues to run retirement housing in Bellenger Way.

There are 34 bungalows in the area.

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Sanctuary is one of the largest providers in the UK of housing, care and commercial services.

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This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF