A VETERAN charity worker is under investigation following allegations of deception and theft.

So far no charges have been made and Ron Mainhood, from Medway, is confident that his good name and reputation will remain intact and he remains fiercely proud of all the charity work he has undertaken.

He said: "I am totally innocent and I’ve nothing to hide. I am very proud of everything I have done."

The 68-year-old, from High Halstow, was arrested on January 13 and released on bail while a police investigation is carried out.

Mr Mainhood said he had been left very low and depressed by the allegations, adding: "I am just totally gutted."

In September last year Mr Mainhood celebrated raising £100,000 for charity after eight years of running tombola stalls in Gravesend. For the past few years these stalls have operated from The St George’s Centre in the town centre.

Good causes to have benefited from Mr Mainhood’s work include Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA), the Royal British Legion, Merchant Navy Association, Arrow Riding Centre, Dartford and The Ellenor Foundation, Dartford.

Mr Mainhood was also a regular visitor to schools in Gravesham where he often went to talk about his army experiences.

Mr Mainhood said he had received a great deal of support from the public since the arrest.

He said: "I have had 110 per cent support from everyone who has spoken to me about this."