POPPY Appeal organisers in Ramsbottom have blasted thieves as "heartless" after they stole two collection boxes.

The boxes were stolen during Remembrance Week from two shops in Bridge Street.

Mr Eric Holdsworth from the Royal British Legion, which co-ordinates the local appeal, said: "The thieves owe a lot of gratitude to our armed forces down the years but they are only thinking of themselves."

On a more positive note, Ramsbottom's RBL announced that this year's appeal raised £5,756.

RBL member Mr Colin Grundy said: "We would like to thank the people of Ramsbottom and district, the Lions, Rotary, collectors and counters for their help and assistance in this year's Poppy Appeal."