AN old soldier was left in shock after supermarket bosses barred him from collecting for Armed Forces charities outside their store.

War veteran Bob McHenry, 89, has raised thousands of pounds for Blind Veterans UK and former regiment the Rifles.

Prince Harry even sent him a letter of thanks for his “tireless” fundraising work.

Bob, who served as a Rifleman in Libya in 1944 when he was just 17, was astounded when Morrison’s, in Harwich, said he could no longer collect there.

“I was stunned,” said Bob, of Coan Avenue, Clacton.

“I have been collecting there for quite a few years but they don’t want us there any more.”

“It feels terrible because lads have fought for their country and now we are being refused.

“I’ve been collecting there all this time.

“We only used to collect for the Riflemen but then I read about the blind veterans and wanted to do something for them.

“Now they won’t let us collect for either.”

Bob claims the store told him he was “out of luck”.

The collections usually raise £200-£500.

Last week Bob raised a staggering £800 in just four days at Morrison’s in Little Clacton.

Former Rifleman Peter Bond, from Clacton, said: “Everyone knows Bob and the wonderful work he does. He stands outside Morrison’s in all weathers raising thousands of pounds for charities.

“It is utterly shameful and disgusting that this store would stop a veteran collecting donations for our wounded soldiers.

“He is in no-one’s way and does not pester anyone for money. He is a dignified old soldier and is deeply upset by this ban.”

A Morrison’s spokesman said: “We are committed to supporting local good causes that are important to both our customers and our colleagues.

"Through our Community Champion programme we welcome local charities and community groups into our stores to raise awareness and much needed funds. Alongside this we also support our national charity partner, Sue Ryder and help to support other registered charities through the Morrisons Foundation.”