St Clare Hospice has thanked the people of Saffron Walden for their generous support after a double break-in at the charity’s shop in the town.

In total, the Hastingwood-based charity estimated the cost of both incidents to be around £2,500, an amount that could have otherwise paid for its Hospice at Home service for two days.

However, since the break-ins, St Clare has received almost £1,500 in donations from customers and supporters.

Saffron Walden shop manager Janice Fox said: “We were all devastated that the shop was targeted, especially when the staff and volunteers work so hard to raise the vital funds St Clare needs every year to care for local people and their families. To think that anyone would steal from any charity is just so upsetting.

“But, the way our supporters responded has restored our faith. We have been overwhelmed by the generosity people who have donations towards the money lost and the cost of installing extra security measures to prevent this sort of thing happening again.

“St Clare’s purpose is to care for the people of Saffron Walden. We are touched that the people of Saffron Walden care for us too.”