YOUNG thugs who spoilt pensioners' attempts to raise money for charity should come face to face with the consequences of their actions, according to the manager of Prospect Hospice.

Stan and Joan Williams, both 71, have been collecting money for Prospect Hospice for four years by putting up Christmas lights and having a contribution box outside their home in Coventry Close, Wroughton.

But teenagers have repeatedly attempted to steal the money and this week the couple opened the box to find a condom filled with urine had been placed inside.

The general manager of the Wroughton-based Prospect Hospice, David Line, said: "I am appalled by what has happened.

"I know Mr and Mrs Williams quite well and attended both this year's and last year's switching on.

"There must have been about 50 or 60 people there who were all full of praise for what the Williams' are doing. It is incredibly public spirited and brings a lot of light into people's lives at Christmas."

Mr Line said the youngsters that were responsible should be made to see the consequences of their actions.

He said: "In many ways I would like to catch some of those youngsters and bring them to the hospice to explain to them quietly what our work is about and how they are diminishing the chance of vital funds getting to us.

"I despair that youngsters have nothing better to do there are plenty of things they could help out with here like sweeping up leaves.

"Doing something like that would be such a positive thing."

Last year the Williams' raised more than £600 and hoped to raise even more this time round.

However their efforts have also been affected by a new six foot fence put up nearby which blocks the view from some parts of the road.

Police spokeswoman Alvina Kumar confirmed the matter had been reported and was being investigated.