A ROBBERY at the Cats Protection shop in Lydney turned into a good news story after four window-cleaners clubbed together to replace money stolen from the cash register.

The robbery took place at lunchtime on Wednesday. Manageress Deena Porteous said: "We had had a slow week because of the weather, but had managed to stay open with staff struggling in, so luckily there wasn't so much to be taken from the till.

"A couple who came into the shop split up, with the woman asking to see something in the window while the man stood by the till. He took the opportunity to steal £50."

The theft comes at a time when Cats Protection is struggling both with a shortage of donations due to the poor weather and a large number of cats taken on for re-homing.

"It is a tough time for us as we are so busy with cats that need new homes – for instance we took on 21 cats from one house in Alvington recently, and even that wasn't the end of it – they turned into 24 when one gave birth to three kittens!

"We need donations to help us keep going, and we certainly don't need thefts like this. It really is mean and unfair."

However, when Deena's window-cleaner husband Michael heard about the theft he was 'so appalled' that he contacted three other window cleaners in the area, Roger Zerniak, Terry Yeates and Malcolm Cameron, and together they covered the loss.

"This is such a lovely gesture," said Deena. "We can't thank them enough, they are so kind."