THIEVES have stolen donations collected at an exhibition commemorating Skipton's part in the First World War.

The exhibition is being staged at town's Holy Trinity Church and visitors are invited to leave donations in a carboy.

However, this week, thieves removed the collection bottle and stole the contents, which would have been split between the church and the Royal British Legion.

Churchwarden Jill Wright said: "The effect of this theft is that both the Royal British Legion and the church will suffer since we clearly cannot leave the carboy out unless there is a steward present.

"One can only assume that the thief considers himself to be more worthy than those whom the world commemorates at this time."

The exhibition - which has been jointly organised by the church and Civic Society - will run until next Saturday, August 30.