A CHARD woman who has raised thousands of pounds for war heroes and their families has spoken out after Poppy Appeal money and her handbag were stolen from the Guildhall.

Two teenagers were arrested after Maryanne Adams' handbag containing charitable donations was stolen on Saturday, November 5.

The Poppy Appeal's organiser said: "We had a brilliant day collecting for the poppy appeal fund with Chard army cadets and the scouts and various people collecting around the town. We were based in the Guildhall Foyer and were packing up.

"The caretaker saw a couple of lads acting a bit strangely to cut the story short they stole my handbag. The police caught them and they were arrested and let out on bail.

"I was tearful but then very angry that they can stoop so low to try and steal charity money for the soldiers, that their great grandads probably fought for, to give them a better life.

"I will not stop collecting because of little scumbags who have no respect for themselves or other people."

A police spokesman said: "On Saturday morning (November 5), we arrested two 16 year-old males in Chard, on suspicion of theft.

"This followed an incident that involved the theft of a handbag from a female victim outside The Guildhall.

"The lady had been selling poppies for The Poppy Appeal, and the money she collected had been put into her bag just before it was taken.

"We recovered the bag and contents and arrested the two boys, after they were spotted acting suspiciously by plain clothes officers."

The two teenagers have been bailed pending further investigation.