A CHARITY collection box for a children's hospital has been stolen from a shop counter.

The box, in aid of Alder Hey Hospital's Rocking Horse Appeal, had been on the counter of locksmiths J. G. Eckersall's in Lingholme Road for a few months.

Owner Gary Eckersall, who had been waiving fees for customers with minor repairs and instead requesting they make a donation, told the Star: "The box was full. It had at least £100 in it, and probably a lot more. I had contacted Alder Hey Hospital few days before it went missing to let them know I would soon be handing over the money towards their Rocking Horse Appeal. I couldn't believe it when I realised someone had stolen the box.

"What sort of person could steal money that was meant to help sick children? It just beggars belief."

The theft was discovered on Saturday, November 20, but may have happened a couple of days earlier.

Anyone with information is asked to contact St Helens Police Incident Management Unit on 0151 777 6969.

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