A HARVINGTON man showed his community spirit after he raised money for his elderly neighbours who were the victims of a distraction burglary.

Robert Strutt, aged 53, of Evesham Road, collected £176 for the couple, who were tricked by three men pretending to be from the water board when they called at the couple's house in Harvington last month.

The couple, who do not wish to be named, let the men into their house at about 2pm on Thursday, July 11, after they said there had been an explosion in the village and needed to check the water.

They asked for the couple to fill buckets with water. When their backs were turned, one of the men went upstairs and took some money - believed to be about £200 - from a wallet.

Mr Strutt, who runs a courier service, said: "I was told by a policeman what had happened and thought that somebody should hold a collection for them because it was a lot of money.

"I just went around a few houses in the area with an envelope and asked people if they would like to give something. I took my driver's license photo card as ID.

"I collected £176 in about three days and took it in to Evesham Police Station. I've been told the couple want to donate some money to the church; maybe now I've done my duty, I'll get a place in heaven."

The couple told Mr Strutt through the police they were "really grateful" to him for collecting the money. PC David Brentnall, of Evesham police, has also thanked everyone who donated to Mr Strutt's collection.

Police are still trying to trace the three white men involved in the burglary.

One man is about 5ft 10ins tall and of slim build. He was wearing a black sweater and dark trousers.

One of the other men was slightly shorter and believed to be aged between 18 and 20. He had ginger hair and was wearing a light blue shirt and black trousers with thick-soled black shoes.

The third man was believed to be about 6ft tall and was wearing a dark sweatshirt and trousers.

Anyone with information should contact police on 01905 723888, quoting c/603604.