BURGLARS raided a Northwich charity shop and stole a collection box for a Christmas campaign aiming to make life better for elderly people.

The thieves broke into the Age UK Cheshire charity shop at 91 Witton Street overnight between Wednesday, November 11, and the following day.

They broke into the till and took the float from the shop and stole a distinctive pink collection goblet full of donations from the public.

This goblet was for the 'No One Should Have No One' campaign, which was launched by Age UK in the same week.

The campaign famously features on this year's Christmas television advertisement for department store John Lewis, which is working with Age UK to battle isolation and loneliness in older people.

Ken Clemens, chief executive of Age UK Cheshire, which is based in Hartford, said: "It is unbelievable that anybody would stoop so low as to break in to a charity shop and take money that is so badly needed to help the older people of the area.

"This is an appalling thing to happen at any time of year, but especially in the weeks approaching Christmas, and in particular the week Age UK has launched its ‘No One Should Have No One’ campaign, which specifically highlights the plight of isolated older people at Christmas."

Age UK says a million older people can go a month without speaking to anyone.

Staff and volunteers from Age UK Cheshire are now concerned about how the collection goblet may be used.

Ken said: "One of the items stolen was one of our distinctive pink collection goblets, which had on it a wrapper featuring the ‘No One Should Have No One’ campaign theme.

"If anybody sees this collection goblet and its distinctive wrapper, or is asked to make a donation from somebody in the street with this goblet, please do not give your money.

"We never collect monies in this way."

Anyone with any information about the incident should call Cheshire Police on 101.