It is frequently the case that bad news inspires good news and that has certainly been the case after news spread about a particularly despicable crime in our area.

Three-year-old Mason Campion, of Hunwick, County Durham, is desperately ill with a brain tumour, with cancer spreading to his spine.

Just before Christmas, an appeal was launched to send Mason and his parents on a dream holiday to Disneyland and, as part of the campaign, a charity box was placed on the counter at Crumbs Snack Bar in Evenwood.

Over the weekend, around £200 was stolen from the charity box, along with a staff tips jar containing £60. A poster promoting a fundraising football match was attached to the counter so the thieves must have known what the money was for.

It is shocking that anyone could stoop so low as taking money intended to give a critically ill little boy the chance of happiness with his family.

But decent folk always outnumber the bad and, since news of the theft came to light, hundreds of pounds has been donated, with more contributions being made all the time.

Community spirit is clearly strong in the area and, hopefully, prominent publicity in tomorrow's edition of The Northern Echo, will help swell the coffers even more.