A VICAR says the theft from his church of a collection tin for Colchester’s soldiers is distressing.

The tin, raising money for the benevolent fund for the town’s 7th Parachute Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery, was taken from St Barnabas Church, in Abbot’s Road.

Father Richard Tillbrook, vicar of Old Heath and the unit’s honorary padre, said the theft was “a triple whammy” of offending.

He said the box was getting heavy and he went to collect it for emptying when he realised it was missing.

He continued: “This is taking from a church, taking from a charity and, in particular, a charity that is about helping soldiers in Colchester.

“In Colchester we know more than most what our soldiers go through and how they put their lives on the line for us.

“It is very distressing someone thinks it is acceptable to steal this money.”

The church has been collecting money and selling wristbands for 7 Para for six weeks, raising £250.

Father Richard said if the thieves were in such dire need they felt taking the money was their only option they could have approached him for help.

He added: “We believe in keeping the church open and this, alas, is the price we sometimes have to pay.

“We will carry on raising money for the charity, but will have to start again.”