Thieves have stolen a Poppy Appeal collection tin from one of Helston’s churches.

The money had been in the lobby of the Central Methodist Church in Coinagehall Street when it was taken at some point on Thursday or possibly early Friday.

The outside of the building is currently adorned with thousands of knitted poppies, knitted by church members and friends, to mark the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day next week.

Rev Danny Reed, minister at the church and superintendent of the Methodist circuit, has since spoken out about the theft, admitting that he “waited a few hours to calm down” before commenting.

He said: “I cannot describe how I'm feeling. My initial reaction was rage and to an extent still is.

“The Poppy Appeal does such good work and is vitally needed - that's one reason why we have decorated the chapel and town with them. That someone should come and steal from the appeal and within chapel is very, very sad and disappointing.

“Our benevolent team would have helped anyone who came in with needs and probably given them practical food etc amounting to more than was in the poppy appeal tin.

“Do we get downhearted? Yes we do. Will we give up doing our bit at Central for the community? Probably not.”

Rev Reed also vowed that the appeal should still receive money from the church, despite the theft.

“The Poppy Appeal will be having a donation from the church, regardless of the fact it has all been stolen, and the collection at the town's remembrance service at 10.50am on the 11th November by the monument will be supporting the Poppy Appeal, and I ask you to give as generously as you can,” he said.

“Thank you Helston for your support, for the CCTV system that has been given to us and for your outcry at this recent crime against so many people.”

Helston Town Council also put out a warning following the theft, saying: “If you have a collecting tin for the RBL Poppy Appeal, please make sure that it is secure at all times.”