FURIOUS fund-raisers have accused a killjoy of putting a dampener on a successful night's tour of the pubs.

The Friends of Rebecca charity, which is raising money to help a severely disabled child, had collected money at seven pubs around Burnley and Pendle.

But at the last pub, the Bay Horse at Worsthorne, they were stunned when a man followed them in and told them they did not have proper council authorisation to collect.

Fundraisers were amazed when police turned up to check the legality of their operation.

Collection organiser Ged McKelvey said: "We couldn't believe it.

"It was degrading, not just for us but for the landlord and the other people in the pub.

"This bloke wanted us to empty the collecting bucket on the pool table and count it.

"As soon as the police looked at the documents they said everything was in order."

Mr McKelvey was granted the licence to collect on Rebecca's behalf by Burnley Council.

He also had a letter from Friends of Rebecca treasurer Michael Mee, a poster advertising a charity football match and the Citizen's front page from August 22, telling the story of Rebecca Delaney, the three-year-old child from Briercliffe who can hardly see, hear or speak and is only just learning to walk.

Doctors say Rebecca's condition might be helped with the aid of specialised equipment including a computer to encourage her eyesight.

Mr McKelvey and his colleagues collected £163 from their night's work and rounded up the figure to £165 from their own pockets. They hope to be able to give £1,000 to Rebecca's parents from the proceeds a sponsored charity football match and a raffle.

Rebecca's mum, Linda, said: "I'm overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity so many people have shown to us. I didn't know there were so many good, caring people. Everyone has worked so hard and we are really grateful. It is such a pity someone came along and tried to spoil it."

Police confirmed visiting the Bay Horse to check the charity's documentation after receiving a complaint from a member of public.

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