MYSELF and members of the Barnard Castle King Edward VIII Lodge of the RAOB have been kindly allowed to put collection tins in various establishments in the town in aid of the Help for Heroes fund.

I was, however, dismayed to discover that last Sunday some lowlife had taken it upon himself to steal one of these collection boxes from the Blue Bell Inn.

The theft of any collection box is despicable in itself. But as an ex-serviceman myself I find it an insult to the brave men and women of our fighting forces who risk their lives daily.

If the perpetrator of this act is reading this, I just hope he can live with himself.

I would ask anybody with any information about this crime to contact the police.

Rowan Jefferies, Treasurer, Barnard Castle Lodge, RAOB.