A GRATEFUL volunteer who was left hundreds of pounds out of pocket after his toolbox was taken from a community centre has been “bowled over” by the outpouring of support from residents.

Kind-hearted Cyril Coppin, 78, has volunteered at St John’s and Highwoods Community Centre for 30 years and often carries out maintenance work with a collection of tools he has built up over decades.

But his hard work was repaid with dishonesty when someone walked into the centre and took his toolbox, which Cyril had accidentally left behind.

The centre runs an “honour” sale, where items are left and visitors are free to take them - provided they leave a donation in a collection box.

But Cyril fears someone picked up the tools mistakenly thinking they were for sale.

“I was worried someone had picked them up and just stuck a few pennies in the collection box,” he said.

“They are worth hundreds of pounds.”

Cyril’s appeal for help in the Gazette attracted an outpouring of support, with one generous resident donating £250 alone.

Any donations leftover after Cyril, of Delamere Road, Highwoods, Colchester, has replaced his tools will go to charity.

The long-running volunteer is part of a small team who run and maintain the community centre.

Cyril organises coach trips to interesting places for the community, including a recent visit to the Houses of Parliament.

Fundraising activities, classes and clubs are often held at the centre in Highwoods Square.

“It is such a brilliant community we have here, this is just a lovely statement about the area and the people who live here,” he said.

“Anything left over after I have replaced my tools will go to Headway Essex or St Helena Hospice.”

Cyril added: “I just feel so humbled by the response, bowled over really.

“One lady who lives over the road from me said she had seen it in the paper and put something on Facebook asking for help.

“She received loads of offers. One person has given £250, which should be enough to replace the lot.

“I didn’t expect anything like this, to be honest I feel like I want to cry.

“I really appreciate it and hopefully at the end of it two very worthy charities will benefit from it.”