A THIEF has broken into a village pub and stolen hundreds of pounds collected by customers for a children's charity.

Tim and Diane Robertson, who run and Anchor Inn at Wingham, say they are sickened by the theft.

Diane said: "Our regulars have contributed so much to this good cause and are very upset. The money was clearly for charity and it is a really mean thing to have done."

The cash was in piles of 5p pieces which was being added to daily by customers. Between £500 and £700 is thought to have been accumulated.

It was being collected for the Footprints respite centre for handicapped children in Stodmarsh Road which is the pub's favourite charity.

Over the last two years, pub customers have raised more than £10,000 for Footprints.

The intruder also took other charity boxes from the bar, including ones for brain-damaged children and Guide Dogs for the Blind.

The thief got in by forcing a window which fronts onto the forecourt of the pub while the Robertsons slept upstairs unaware.

Diane said: "I am amazed nobody saw something because it was a lot of coins to take out.

"But perhaps somebody will come to suspect something when they try and change up all the coins."

Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.