A CRUEL and criminal act has brought out the best in people and could mean thousands of pounds is raised for an Army charity.

Earlier this summer, thieves stole a collection box, meant for the town’s 7th Parachute Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery, from St Barnabas Church, in Abbot’s Road, Colchester.

Since then, far more money than was ever in the box has been donated to make up for it, and now a 93-year-old artist has agreed to put almost 30 of his works up for auction for the charity.

Leonard Stephenson, known to his friends as Len, read about the theft and contacted Father Richard Tillbrook, padre for the regiment, to make the offer.

Mr Stephenson, of Juniper Road, Stanway, said: “When I read about the money being stolen, I wanted to help. I gave up exhibitions several years ago, but have kept painting and hope this will be a sellout.”

Father Richard said: “I am thrilled. It just goes to show how important the Army is to the people in town and Len is a shining example.”

Mr Stephenson has been painting since the Second World War and has sold more than 650 works, including a portrait of Colchester MP Bob Russell.

Previous examples of his work have sold for several thousands of pounds, but he has dropped his prices for the auction of paintings and prints to between £30 and £300.

Mr Stephenson served in the forces during the Second World War and took up painting in Naples when it was over.

On his return to Colchester in 1946, he worked with paints and then oils and has continued ever since.

The money will go towards helping care for the regiment upon its return from Helmand Province in Afghanistan.

Father Richard said: “This will be tremendously important. The money will support the welfare of families and soldiers when they have come back from this next tour.”

The auction will be held at the church hall, from 10am to 4pm, on Saturday, October 2, and 11.30am until 3pm on the Sunday.