Thieves have stolen more than £150 in donations from a Shropshire grandmother who was raising the cash for soldiers injured on the front line.

Josie Vaughan was collecting the donations instead of presents during her 80th birthday bash in Telford when thieves stole the cash out of dozens of cards at the venue and stuffed the envelopes into a toilet cistern.

Mrs Vaughan, from Woodside in Telford, said she was distraught after making the shocking discovery on her birthday, when she decided to open the cards.

Mrs Vaughan said the bash, held at the Anstice Memorial Institute Club in Madeley on March 2, saw hundreds of pounds raised for the charity.

“I think whoever did this should be ashamed of themselves, it’s disgraceful,” she said.

“I was standing by the door greeting everyone coming in and I had a box for the cards.

“But when I went to open the box with my friends I realised some of the cards I had been given were missing.”

Police in Telford today said they were investigating the theft and appealed for any guests with information to come forward.

She added: “I think it is despicable that someone could take donations for Help for Heroes.

“Some of these poor lads come back from fighting without their sight, or their legs, and they need all the money they can get.”

Mrs Vaughan added she had so far raised about £290 from the cards which were left in the box.

“I am still calling relatives to find out how much they put in the cards. It is absolutely disgusting what they have done,” she added.

“I am gutted because a lot of the money came from my nieces and nephews, it’s not right at all.

“My brother was in World War Two and I think these lads deserve every penny they get. There is about £150 missing so far.”

Anyone with information about the theft can call Telford police on 0300 3333000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

By Jason Lavan