THE owner of a Cirencester bookshop has said that she is “appalled” after a charity collection tin was stolen from the store while the shop was filled with Christmas shoppers.

Octavia Karavala, owner of Black Jack Street-based Octavia’s Bookshop, noticed that the tin, which was collecting money for the Timmy Mason Trust, had gone on Thursday, December 12.

She told the Standard: “We think it happened early in the afternoon when the shop was really full. I was helping someone with some Christmas present recommendations so was away from the counter where the tin sits.

“This is a real shock that someone must have simply walked in and straight out with it.”

The Timmy Mason Trust was set up in the memory of Ampney Crucis schoolboy Timmy Mason who died after a three year battle against a rare sinus tumour.

Octavia said: “The tin was full as I have been selling my canvas bags to raise money for Timmy’s Trust. I am absolutely appalled at how anyone can do this, particularly at Christmas.

“Myself and the shop will be donating to make up some of the stolen money and my lovely customers who have seen this online are also donating to help make up the missing money.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Gloucestershire Police on 101.