Townsfolk have rallied round after heartless thieves stole charity pots from a shop in a pre-Christmas raid.

Thousands of pounds has been offered by countless people in Deal - including £200 from one businessman - to replace the cash swiped from The Original Factory Shop.

Boss Wayne Richardson told Kent Online: "I was really angry with those who stole the pots.

"But the response since has been amazing. This is what Deal is about. People support each other.

"It shows the generosity of the people in Deal who even in these difficult times are stepping up to help others.

"We cannot thank everyone enough."

The two pots, thought to have held £50 and £80 respectively, had been secured to a till area but were cut away during opening hours on Sunday, December 4.

They are for the discount department store's chosen charity, United Families UK - a family support group in Deal offering services such as surplus food redistribution to tackle poverty.

The stolen money was meant to pay for Christmas dinners and gifts.

Offers of help came when the department store, in the High Street announced the theft on its Facebook page on Tuesday.

The message said: "Absolutely disgusting and we are so angry for this to happen.

"United Families UK help any and all local families struggling day to day and do an amazing job."

Residents and businesses in Deal contacted both the store and charity to offer money to make up for the loss.

Mr Richardson was unable to put an exact figure on the sum donated as money has also been given to the charity directly, but believes it to be "in the thousands".

The building company ASM Group, in Anchor Lane, Deal, gave £200 cash - one of the biggest offers.

Boss Andrew Morley turned up at the store to hand over the money on Thursday.

He said: "We had to do something. People at this time of year are suffering high bills and high food prices."

United Families UK, based in Queen Street, also has services such as family contact, a breakfast club, court chaperoning and drug, alcohol and DNA testing.

The theft has been reported to police, who say that anyone with information concerning it should give it via the web page kent.police.uk/report