Cash donations have been pouring in after it was revealed a volunteer had stolen money from the RSPCA.

Amanda Whiteman, who manages the charity’s store in Sittingbourne High Street, says people have been extremely generous since the News Extra revealed that Kevin Kemp took money while she was on leave.

Kemp, 42, of Crown Quay Lane, was asked to bank the store’s takings in her absence, but instead took it for himself.

When the accounts were checked, it was found £250 had gone missing.

Mrs Whiteman said: “We put the article in the front window and as a result we’ve had lots of people coming in and handing over cash donations.

“We’ve had at least £100 in money and we’ve seen an increase in the number of goods donated too.

“I’ve been surprised. We do the job day in, day out so it’s nice to feel appreciated and that people do care.

“I’d like to say thank you to everyone for their support and to let them know how grateful we are.”

Kemp, who admitted theft and false accounting at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court, was ordered to pay £256 in compensation to the animal welfare group, £85 in prosecution costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

Due to not being able to do community service because of a problem with the tendons in his hands, he has been fitted with an electronic tag for three months and banned from leaving his home between 7pm and 7am.

Talking about the moment the theft was discovered Mrs Whiteman said: “We were all devastated.

"He pulled the wool over my eyes and everyone else’s.

“He had been with us for four months. He seemed fine and his references checked out.

“It felt like a personal attack because I took him under my wing. Now I’m more wary of volunteers which is an awful thing to say.

“We’re now doing a big drive for donations to continue to get back on track.”