A kind-hearted fundraiser has slammed the "despicable" thieves who stole a collection box.

Paul Simmons, 66, had the box chained to his fence outside his home in Second Avenue, Newhaven, for ten days.

But on Wednesday between 8pm and midnight thieves made off with the cash, which was being collected for Sussex Heart Charity.

He said: "These people are the scum of the Earth. They are despicable to steal from a charity."