THIEVES who stole collection tins for this year's poppy appeal in Leyland have been branded the "lowest of the low" by appeal organisers across Preston and South Ribble.

The callous looters struck at two businesses in Leyland, stealing vital funds intended for ex-service men and women after volunteers had delivered them.

Pat Eskdale, appeal organiser for the Leyland branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) which distributed 169 collection boxes to businesses and schools, said it was impossible to put a figure on the amount stolen because the tins were sealed and only opened at the end of the campaign.

"I think the people who have taken them have no conscience. It could be they are the grandson of an ex-serviceman who fought in the war but if they have no conscience they wouldn't think about that. Who knows, one day they may need help. It's the lowest of the low," she said.

Some businesses had been reluctant to take the tins this year because of thefts last year, she said.

Organisers in Preston and Lostock Hall said they had been lucky this year with no thefts reported.

Michael Turner, appeal organiser for the Lostock Hall branch of the RBL, said none of the 500 tins circulated in his area had been taken. But he added it was the first year he had known it.

"For as long as I can remember this is the first year none have gone.

"Normally four or five go each year. For two years on the run we had them go out of a church.

"I think the thieves are the lowest of the low. This money goes to help ex-servicemen, and all the people who help with the appeal are volunteers who do it out of the goodness of their heart.

"They put a lot of time and effort into it and when some scumbag takes one they are the pits. They are just lowlife."