A Salon owner whose Help for Heroes charity collection box was stolen by thieves has decided to raise the money again by taking part in a endurance drive.

Loretta Pritchard was horrified after her salon Twist Hair Specialists in High Street, Warminster, had its charity box stolen, which had more than £100 inside, last December.

The thieves stole the collection pot which contained donations for Help for Heroes wristbands from under the noses of Mrs Pritchard and her five staff.

The culprits, who are described as a man and woman both in their late twenties/early thirties and of regular build, have never been found.

The 37-year-old has now decided to raise money for the charity by driving from Lands End to John O’Groats in her Smart Car within 24 hours on September 9.

She said: “Many clients have already donated, but I have set up an online donation page. After the unfortunate incident last time, this seems a safe way to collect charity money.

“Since setting it up I so far have £1,216.60 and hope to get more. What is one day out of my life when these soldiers give up their lives for us?”

Mrs Pritchard is a member of The Smart Club UK and has organised local car meets with the Wiltshire branch.

“Although I travel far and wide with the club, I have never driven this far before in one go, but I’m willing to give it a go for the charity,” she said.

The Smart Car enthusiast, who has owned Twist Hair Specialists for 14 years, has written to companies to try and gain support for the trip.

She said: “I hope to take my Smart as a support vehicle, but I have been fortunate to have been donated a Smart and its fuel from Wellsmart in Shepton Mallet to do the challenge, so am very grateful.

“I hope other people in the town will sponsor me if they can. Even a few pounds will make a huge difference.”

To sponsor Mrs Pritchard visit her fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/Loretta-Pritchard.