PEOPLE in Ilminster have gone to great lengths to claw back the money stolen from two charity boxes in a town centre shop.

Thieves smashed a window at Mike’s of Ilminster, in Silver Street, before stealing cash from the shop till and the charity boxes in aid of The Children’s Society and Ilminster Christmas Lights Fund.

Police say the thieves were seen on CCTV escaping through Greenfylde School and damaging the school gates at about 10pm on Sunday, September 28.

To help reimburse the two charities, school head teacher Claire Oaten held a ‘dress-down’ day on Friday with children paying 50p each.

Mike Adams, who runs Mike’s of Ilminster, was challenged by Tris Pinkney, who owns Bilby’s cafe, to dress in school uniform on Friday in return for £20 for the charity.

Fundraiser Julia Jackson, for Tesco in Ilminster, had a book stall outside the supermarket which raised more than £60.

Mr Adams said: “Although we are personally going to be several hundred pounds out of pocket, the response f rom the community and the support shown to us has been simply overwhelming.

“We would like to thank everyone who has shown concern, offered help and given their support to us – it is so good to know that good has come out of a bad situation. We cannot regain the money that has been lost but at least the charities will not lose out due to kindness and generosity of the wonderful Ilminster community spirit.

“To the people who committed this crime, we are angry and upset that they can do this to anyone and assure them that every effort will be made to catch these people.”

Photos and kind messages from the children at Greenfylde have been displayed in the shop’s window.

Gill Ford, from the Children’s Society, said: “It’s so lovely that, from something so awful, you could be left with a warmglowing feeling inside.

“The money raised allows us to work with families and children who need vital support.”

Anyone who can help police identify the culprits should call PC Chris Williams on 101.