Ref. 25900-05THE Cricklade Disabled and Pensioners' fund which was raided by thieves has doubled its money after kind-hearted people jumped to donate towards the stolen cash.

Around £50 was stolen when thieves broke into the Vale Hotel in Cricklade High Street taking a selection of wines, spirits and tobacco before emptying a large jar on the end of the bar clearly labelled Cricklade Disabled and Pensioners' Fund.

US airmen staying at the hotel while the Royal International Air Tattoo was being held at nearby RAF Fairford donated a large amount of the money, which is used to fund one-off day trips and special outings for those living in the Saxon town.

The Advertiser revealed on Monday how the theft had left fund treasurer Arthur Cole, 83, speechless after the burglary last weekend.

But since then people have walked into the hotel and offered to replace the money and the Advertiser has fielded calls from people wanting to donate cash.

Now the fund stands at £100 double the amount stolen.

Retired Mr Cole said: "When the theft happened I had lost all faith in people, but its been restored because people some of whom I don't even know have walked into the hotel offering to replace the money.

"I shouldn't say it, but we're in quite a profit now and we'll make sure that our outings and events are twice as good in the future. It just goes to show that there are some very kind-hearted people about."

The thieves broke into the hotel a week ago by removing glass slats from the kitchen window, tiptoeing through the bar and helping themselves to vodka, gin, whiskey, wine a jeroboam of champagne, cigars, cigarettes and a digital camera.

In March Mark Ingle, who runs the Vale Hotel with his fiancee, Cherise Hutchinson, said that Cricklade was unsafe after dark after suffering at the hands of vandals.

But he is confident that new Cricklade police sergeant, Willie Glasgow, will soon clean up the town of crime and graffiti and bring those responsible for the burglary to justice. And he has offered £1,000 cash to anyone who can supply information leading to the arrest of those responsible.

He said: "The story in the Advert-iser really hit home. I don't even know some of the people who have walked into the hotel to donate money, but it's really restored my faith. There are some really good people out there. I just can't believe how people have responded to the article. I have no doubt these people will be caught."

Anyone with information on the burglary is urged to call Cricklade police on 01793 750207 with information.