GOOD Samaritans have stepped forward to help an elderly war veteran who had his wallet stolen by a pickpocket on Remembrance Sunday.

Harry Hart, 86, was targeted just yards from his front door by a man who thrust his hands into his back pocket and stole his wallet containing £70 and his bank card.

The grandfather-of-two, who served as a sub sergeant in the London Irish Regiment during the Second World War, fell and injured himself during the ordeal.

But after reading about the incident in the Adver on Saturday, generous people have stepped forward to offer to reimburse Mr Hart.

The local shop, which Mr Hart was returning from when his wallet was stolen, started a collection box and a neighbour went door to door asking for donations.

Together they have raised more than £100 and they presented it to Mr Hart, along with a new wallet, yesterday.

Shopkeeper John Harris said: “He’s very popular around here.

“We were all disgusted to hear what happened and delighted to be able to help.”

Taxi driver Ian Lawrence, 46, was one of a few people to contact the Adver offering to reimburse Mr Hart.

He said: “I just thought that for it to happen on Remembrance Sunday, a day we should be paying our respects to veterans, made it worse.

“No one deserves to go through something like that, but it makes it more poignant that it was a veteran.

“The gentleman is also the same age as my father and I visited him the day before in hospital – I just think it’s disgusting how anyone could do that.

“I felt I needed to see him OK and not out of pocket.”

Mr Hart has decided to donate the money raised to charity.

He said: “It’s just wonderful – I shall go home now and cry my eyes out.

“All the money will go to the local area to the Royal British Legion and the Royal Marine Association.”