I feel that I must write to you with a heartfelt plea to the person(s) who stole some donated items from outside the Age Concern Charity Shop in Windermere.

We had had an awful, emotional weekend going through my late father’s property and sorting through his things. By mistake we gave away his father’s long, dark grey, wool overcoat, his green, checked deer-stalker hat and his red and gold bow-tie which was in a small black box, along with two woollen scarves.

We really wished we had kept these items, which had meant such a lot to our dad and they were the last link we had to a grandfather that we never knew. At the time we just weren't thinking straight and we put these, along with other items in to two large, brown cardboard boxes (one with 'Trespass' written on the side) outside the Age Concern at about 8am on Monday, January 23.

In theory they would have been out there for about an hour before the shop would have opened. We put the boxes on top of black bags that were already there.

On realising our mistake, we went in there at 10am and the volunteer lady said when she opened up there were only the black bags there and no boxes.

I am not at all bothered about the other items in the boxes, but if the person or persons concerned are reading this, please have a heart and consider returning the clothing pieces to us - that would be really lovely and kind of you.

If anyone sees these items dumped anywhere, please could you contact me by TEXT only on 07934 445379. No questions will be asked and it will just be between us. I don't even want to see you or know who you are and you could leave the items in a mutually agreed place for me to pick up.

A very long shot I know but it would really help a grieving family come to terms with their loss.

D. Shuttleworth

York