THE total figure raised from this year’s Poppy Appeal in Lydney will be missing collections from two boxes after they were allegedly stolen.

Poppy Appeal organiser, Stan Rudge said he is shocked by the apparent theft of the boxes at The Cross in Aylburton and The Speech House Hotel, near Coleford.

He said: “It’s unbelievable that somebody could do this. I am shocked and disappointed. The tin at The Cross is an all-year round collection so it’s hard to pin down when the money was stolen as the current owners only took over about a year ago. They both say they are unaware of its whereabouts.

“About three weeks ago I visited the Speech House and discovered the tin was left but around £75 had been stolen from inside. It’s a police matter at present and as far as I am aware no arrests or charges have been made.

“Despite the thefts we are hoping this shouldn’t affect us reaching our target of £20,000. Our current figure on donations made so far is £12,376.27 which is up on this time last year, and we have more donations to come in.

“We are also hosting a charity dance at the Watney Hall in Lydney on Saturday, November 28 from 7.30pm. We will have a 20-piece band covering 1940s-style music and all the proceeds raised will be donated to the appeal. For more information or ticket purchases call 07788535807.”