A disabled pensioner fought off two men with his walking stick when they tried to steal money he had collected for the Poppy Appeal.

The 61-year-old was beaten with sticks by the two men as he was collecting for the Royal British Legion in St James's Street, Brighton.

The men, in their early 20s, repeatedly hit the man's hands, knocking him to the ground, in a bid to steal his day's takings.

The man, who has osteoarthritis, used his walking stick to defend himself against the thugs, refusing to give them his collection tin.

His bravery left him with suspected broken bones in his left hand.

He said: "I'm no hero, but I was not about to give them that money so I tried to fight them off.

"It was very frightening, but no matter what they did I would not let go of that collecting tin.

Members of the public rushed to the pensioner's aid and helped see off the attackers.

He has since refused to contact the police, not wanting to "cause a fuss" but said it will not put him off collecting in the future.

Today he will travel to the Royal Albert Hall to attend the Festival of Remembrance.

He said: "I just want to put it behind me. I refuse to let it stop me collecting in the future."

The pensioner's father and uncle both served in the Second World War and he has been a dedicated collector for the Poppy Appeal for several years.

The attack, which occurred at about 5pm on Thursday, has appalled the Royal British Legion.

County field officer, Mike Paine, said: "I am very proud of what he did. It makes me feel humble."