A DURSLEY man, who stole money from the Poppy Appeal fund, has been set a challenge by the Royal British Legion.

In a letter to the Gazette, Andrew Cooper, who chairs the Cam and Dursley branch, threw down the gauntlet to Roland Simpson saying he should attend its next meeting on Sunday January 7 and apologise to members face-to-face.

According to Mr Cooper, this would prove Mr Simpson was genuinely sorry after stealing a charity box, containing £100, on November 2 from a local Co-op store.

He said: "I challenge Mr Simpson to attend that meeting, face the veterans and members he has offended, explain himself, offer a proper apology and pledge to make amends by working for the Legion.

"He will have a unique and, I hope, fruitful, opportunity to understand our simple ethos; service not self."

The challenge has been accepted by Mr Simpson, who says he is willing to make up for his actions.

He told the Gazette earlier this month that he had stolen the box after suffering a relapse of his heroin addiction.

He said: "I'm happy to speak to the Royal British Legion and explain why I took the box, I realise how important the work they do is.

"I have family members who have lost their lives representing their country and want to make up for what I did.

"I'd definitely like to do some work for them as part of my probation."

Mr Simpson was sentenced to a community order of 125 hours unpaid work after pleading guilty and showing remorse.

He said: "I didn't realise what a big deal Remembrance Sunday was to people, but now I respect the charity much more and I want to pay the money back."