Kindheart chips in after charity raid

A kind-hearted benefactor has launched a new appeal following the theft of money from a charity box in a small village chip shop.

Raiders stole £20 - but left the empty box on the counter of the Diggle Chippy on Huddersfield Road. The collection raised money for Oldham Mountain Rescue Team.

Former local man Steven Beckwith heard of their theft and turned up at the shop from his Holmfirth home to hand over the missing £20.

And now he has launched an appeal on Facebook to ask followers to chip in more - by dropping a quid in the box at the shop.

Mr Beckwith (42) grew up in Uppermill and knows members of the mountain rescue team: “It’s ridiculous to steal such a small amount from a team that does so much,” he said.

“I just wanted do something positive and after giving Rachel the £20 I thought it was a good idea to follow up on Facebook to encourage other people to contribute.”

The Woods have raised more than £400 for the team.