GENEROUS readers have rallied to help the St Richard's Hospice charity shop in Worcester after it was ransacked by thieves.

Shop staff and those working at the Rose Hill hospice were devastated last month when they found thieves had forced their way into the Mealcheapen Street shop and stolen items worth £7,000.

Much of the property stolen included donated cash and items of jewellery given as part of the hospice's "jewellery amnesty".

But since the Evening News reported the theft, readers have donated a record amount to the shop, to show their support.

Danny Corns, shops and commercial director for the hospice, said: "It was a terrible shock to find the shop wrecked and things stolen.

"But people are being fantastic. They have really taken it to heart that thieves should steal from a charity shop and are bringing in even more than usual for us to sell.

"And it's not only in Worcester. People are offering us more goods to sell across our 10 shops.

"In the run-up to Christmas, we are really grateful to people for thinking of us."

Profits raised by the shops all go towards the work of the hospice in caring for people with life-threatening illnesses from South Worcestershire.

The hospice's staff are also asking for people to help by donating more unwanted jewellery after £3,000 was raised for the hospice from donations.

Community Fundraising Manager Tricia Cavell said: "Perhaps now would be a good time for people to have a good clear out of their jewellery boxes, making room for new Christmas gifts.

"Everything helps - broken silver and gold can be melted down, valuable pieces auctioned and modern items cleaned and sold. So even a lone gold earring, cufflink or broken chain has a meltdown value.

"We've had an amazing response to date."

If you have any unwanted items, please send or take them to St Richard's Hospice Appeals Office, Rose Hill, Worcester WR5 1EY, marking it "jewellery amnesty".

Items can be collected if required and the hospice can be contacted on 01905 763963.