About 40 bags of clothes and goods were donated to a charity shop in two days after news broke about that a safe containing a day’s takings was stolen during a burglary.

The items were dropped off at Scope in Roman Square, Sittingbourne, last week after ward councillor Roger Truelove appealed to the community, via this paper, to rally round and make a donation to the cause.

Usually, the shop would receive about 10 bags a day. A cash donation of £20 was also made by Cllr Truelove.

As well as the money, two DVD players were also taken in the break-in on August 16, along with a couple of mobile phones, a GPS sat nav for hikers, a black laptop and a Game Boy Advance handheld console with games.

Ryan Taylor, manager of the shop, said: “The community’s response to the break-in at our shop has been brilliant. I’d like to thank everyone for their support.

“After the appeal ran in the paper, the amount of clothes and goods donated to us doubled over the next two days. We hope this support will continue.

“All the money raised supports our work with disabled people and their families.”

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call Sgt Fordom on 01795 419119, quoting crime reference XY/028632/15, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.