GENEROUS residents have put their hands in their pockets after a charity box was stolen in Harwich.

The RNLI lifeboat charity box, in the shape of a lifeboat, was on the windowsill of Harwich Tattoo Studio in West Street, when it was taken on May 28.

But it wasn’t discovered missing for some days and longer until CCTV footage revealed it had been stolen. Last week, studio owners Donald MacPhee and Clare Newton hit out at the theft from a lifesaving charity, branding it “disgusting”.

But now Mr MacPhee, who has supported the RNLI for more than two decades, has a new collection tin and has “overwhelmed” by a generous donation of £50.

“I was heading to work and a van pulled up beside me, it was one of my customers, Mo Willis” he said.

“He has been coming in for the past couple of years. “He handed me an envelope and I thought it was something like a wedding invitation.

“I opened it up at work - it said he’d seen the piece in the Standard and wanted to make a donation to help.

“It is a great feeling, it goes to show that many people have good hearts.

“People’s generosity never ceases to amaze me.”

Mr MacPhee estimated the charity box had about £35 in when it was taken.

A new box with a chain his now at the studio.

“I’ve had a couple of people come in and mention they read the story and people have said they want to put some money in the new box,” he added.

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact PC Robert Mcafee at Harwich police station on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.