A CLUB secretary has branded the thieves who snatched a charity box full of cash from his premises as 'the lowest of the low'.
Billy Patton, of Ellesmere Port Conservative Club in Westminster Road, is furious at the burglars for making off with money raised by regulars for the Hospice of the Good Shepherd.
He said: 'It infuriates me when they can stoop so low as to steal money specifically for charity. Had it been stock stolen or the club money you'd expect it more.
'But I'm outraged that they would steal the charity box. They are the lowest of the low and I want them to know that. I hope they're ashamed but no doubt they probably won't be.'
The thieves struck at about 1.45am on Wednesday after the club had closed, breaking in through the patio doors which lead on to the bowling green.
They attempted to take cash from the cigarette machines but failed and made off with the box after setting off the alarms.
Mr Patton and colleague Daniel Swannick opened the club the next day to discover the box, which had between £80 and £100 inside, was missing.
Anyone with information about the theft should call the police on 01244 613049 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.
