Thousands of pounds in charity cheques pledging cash for Help For Heroes have been stolen in a burglary at the home of Shropshire fundraisers.

Rob Wilcox and his partner Nicky Corbett had raised £8,000 at a fundraising evening in Buildwas in July.

But just hours before they were due to send off the 23 cheques made out to Help For Heroes, burglars forced their way into the cottage on Leighton Road, Buildwas.

Mr Wilcox said this afternoon he had been contacting people to get them to cancel the cheques.

He said: “It looks like they got in quickly and grabbed what they could and fled.”

Mr Wilcox, who runs building maintenance firm DP Wilcox and Son, said: “It’s the thought of somebody stealing money from that charity.

“We were hoping to raise £2,500 at the event but in the end it was just incredible the support we got.”

The thieves also stole a box of 12-bore shotgun cartridges, six silver topped antique perfume bottles, a Canon digital camera, a man’s Omega watch with a gold face and brown leather strap and a Compaq laptop computer.

The 49-year-old, who had been waiting to send off the money while he sorted out gift aid for the donations, said he was also annoyed that the laptop contained a lot of information he needed for work.

He added: “I just hope they don’t get anywhere with the cheques and we can get them all re-done and sent off.”

Richard Ewels, a West Mercia Police spokesman said: “This burglary happened in broad daylight yesterday afternoon and an appeal is made for information from anyone who spotted suspicious activity in the locality.

“The number to call at Shrewsbury police station is 0300 333 3000.

“We would also like to hear from anyone approached with a number of cheques for Help for Heroes in what appear to be strange or dubious circumstances.”

Information can also be given to the anonymous Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.

Mr Wilcox said if he had not been in touch with anyone who had given him a cheque they should contact him.

By Lisa Rowley