Charles Bronson, the man notorious for being Britain's toughest prisoner, has helped an elderly couple targeted by burglars.

The former Ellesmere Port resident, who is currently serving a life sentence, donated artwork drawn in his cell at Wakefield Prison in an effort to raise money for the pensioners.

Bronson is said to have come up with the designs after reading about the plight of the couple who lost hundreds of pounds after a handbag was swiped from their home.

The pair, aged 84 and 79, fell victim to a distraction burglary at their home in Abbey Hulton, Staffordshire.

Related story:Charles Bronson preparing speech to Parole Board

Police believe they were followed home by a man and a woman after visiting a Farmfoods supermarket.

Bronson, 63, was alerted to the story of the OAPs by one of his pen pals who is organising an appeal to recover the cash.

Shaun Baskerville told the Stoke Sentinel: "I had followed him for a number of years but I didn't realise what he'd done for charity. He has raised an amazing amount during his time in prison and that inspired me to get behind the campaign to release him.

"He found out about what happened to the couple through my letters and he donated the artwork for us to auction off.

"A lot of people don't realise what type of man he is and he is trying to show a better side of himself."

Related story:Charles Bronson raises cash for disabled mugging victim

Friends Darren Holdcroft and Rod Harrison are currently campaigning to get Bronson, now called Charles Salvador, back into regular prisons.

In recent years Bronson has forged a reputation as an artist and told pals he has rejected crime and is a changed man.

Supporters claim he has raised £250,000 for good causes and he has also written an open letter to young people pleading with them not to follow his lead.

The prisoner has told friends of his desire to work his way back through the justice system and revealed he also one day hopes to be able to take at classes for other prisoners to help them cope with the isolation.

The notorious prisoner grew up in Ellesmere Port and, when aged 13, had his first brush with the law in the town.

Related story:Charles Bronson artwork raises money for quadruple amputee baby

At 22, he was jailed for his part in an armed robbery at a Post Office in Little Sutton . He stole £26.18 and was jailed for seven years.

The hardman has enjoyed just four months and nine days out of prison since being first convicted in 1974 having been involved in a series of prison riots and hostage situations.

Anyone with information about the alleged burglars should Staffordshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 332 of April 11.

To support the fund-raising campaign, visit HERE.