CASH collected for the Poppy Appeal that helps servicemen and women and their families has been stolen.

The theft of the collection box at a supermarket has been condemned as "appalling".

A suspect from Dursley - Roland Simpson, 35, of Rangers Avenue - was arrested last week. He is due to appear in court tomorrow after staff at the Co-op store in Roseberry Road allegedly caught him on CCTV camera.

On November 2 a man took a box containing about £100 collected for the Poppy Fund, which supports people who served in the armed services and their dependants.

The theft has been condemned by people throughout the town who have expressed their disgust.

Andrew Cooper, chairman of the Cam and Dursley Branch of the Royal British Legion told the Gazette: "It's quite sad that someone has had to resort to this when the money is meant to go to people who really need it.

"All our collections go towards welfare projects, so for someone to do this is pretty low. This crime is a real act of desperation."

Staff at the supermarket contacted the police as soon as they noticed the collection had been taken.

Store manager, Sue Griffith, said: "We first noticed that the box had been taken later that evening.

"We looked at the CCTV footage and it had appeared to capture a man. We immediately called the police and passed the matter over to them. Our staff and customers are disgusted and disappointed that this could happen."

The suspect was then approached by Dursley Police. He was later charged with theft and is currently on bail.

Sgt Richard Smith of Gloucestershire Constabulary said: "It's an appalling crime and can never be tolerated."

A spokesman for Co-op said the firm will be making a donation to the Poppy Appeal to cover the money which was lost.

Mr Cooper added: "We really appreciate the gesture. When our collection tins normally go missing we never receive the donations.

"It's the only time someone has ever done this - the money will go to those who need it after all."