A pensioner has denied stealing a Poppy Appeal donations tin in Oxford.

The Royal British Legion collection box was taken from the post office in Downside Road, Risinghurst, at about 8.30am on Monday, November 5.

At Oxford Magistrates’ Court yesterday, Mohamed Sheikh, prosecuting, said it was believed to contain up to £2,000 and has not yet been recovered.

John Thompson, of Malford Road, Barton, Oxford, was charged with theft and pleaded not guilty.

The 72-year-old was released on police bail to attend Oxford Magistrates’ Court for trial on Wednesday, February 20.