IT was a crime that sickened a community.

Posing as a grieving mother who had recently lost her baby daughter, a thief duped funeral parlour staff and stole a Poppy Appeal box containing around £60 in donations.

But the caring people of Shirley in Southampton rallied round to raise more than six times what was taken from R C Payne and Son in Shirley High Street, in November last year.

Funeral arranger Helen Osment personally replaced the sum taken, parent company Dignity made a contribution and the remainder was donated by residents and customers.

Now representatives of the Royal British Legion have accepted a cheque for more than £409. Helen, 43, said: “I was determined we would make that money back, as were the residents of Shirley and the company, but to extend it by a couple of hundred pounds means that much extra goes to the legion. The local people in Shirley have been absolutely fantastic. When people found out, we had elderly residents, young people all wanting to make donations. We just want to let them know they’re all caring, thoughtful and kind individuals.”

Royal British Legion Southampton branch secretary Archie Parsons said: “When you see people have rallied round to redress the wrong that was done at the time, it really is humbling.

“I can only express my extreme thanks to the local residents, the company and staff at R C Payne and Son.

The demands of the Royal British Legion are growing and will continue to grow and we will always be there providing whatever support we can.’’ ● A 32-year-old woman from Totton and a 25-year-old man were arrested and questioned by police in connection with the theft but were released without charge.