Store giant Asda has apologised after accusing two young charity bucket collectors dressed in pyjamas of being thieves.

Friends Olivia McColl and Chelsea Pollard, both 12, were devastated when the money they collected for the Children In Need appeal was nearly taken off them by staff.

The girls, who live in Woodingdean and attend Longhill High School in Rottingdean, had stood in the cold at Brighton Marina for three hours on Thursday.

Together they raised nearly £25 for the charity, which held its national appeal yesterday.

However, when they went to the Asda shop to meet Olivia's mother they were stopped by the store greeter.

Olivia's mother, Deborah, who lives in Crescent Drive North, said: "I saw the woman pointing at the girls when I arrived. I thought she was just suprised because the girls were wearing pyjamas. Then I saw my daughter's shocked face. I went over and found out the greeter said she was going to take the money away, and had accused the girls of wanting to steal it.

"She said it had to be kept in sealed containers and couldn't just be carried around in a bucket.

"I appreciate some dishonest people might keep the money, but you've got to give someone the benefit of the doubt before you pass judgement. I think the woman was being a bit ageist.

"It was just the way she said it in front of all the other customers. The girls were so upset. They thought they were helping out, but the lady just spoiled it."

Asda is one of the largest sponsors of Children In Need and has helped raise millions of pounds.

An Asda spokeswoman has since apologised to the families and offered them vouchers, and the opportunity for the girls to see the BBC Children In Need Appeal show live.

The spokeswoman said: "The greeter was probably just trying to do her job and maybe wasn't as tactful as she could have been. We want to apologise for that.

"But, we do have to be careful about people collecting in the store and we ask they have a badge saying who you're collecting for."

Mrs McColl said: "I'm glad the woman admitted she was in the wrong and has realised she was a bit too harsh.

"I have been told the store will give staff extra training now too.

"I'm really pleased Asda has done this for the girls. It's a really nice gesture.

"They have offered me vouchers, but I wouldn't accept and asked them to donate the value to the charity.

"At least then the charity has benefitted in the end and that's the main thing."