Police are looking for a pretty teenager and her boyfriend in connection with the theft of a charity box.

The Cancer Research UK collection was taken from the Rushenden Club.

It was originally put on the bar last year by Island Relay for Life organiser Lee Ewart.

The box was full and staff believe it contained about £20 in change.

It is believed a young couple, who came in during a busy lunchtime, could be responsible.

They ordered a can of coke and struck up a conversation with staff.

Bar manager Lynne Marchington says the boy asked for a glass which she turned round to get.

He then left the bar and the girl stayed behind talking to her.

The theft was noticed the next day when someone went to put some change in the box.

She said: “Being a club we know everybody and they were the only strangers.

“We are gutted – when you think you were tricked into it. To take a charity box is so low.”

Lee, of Manor Road, Rushenden, has been fundraising since losing his mother to cancer in 2007.

He said: “Whether it’s a Cancer Research box or any charity box, people have given money out of the goodness of their hearts to help.”

The 47-year-old added: “For someone to come along and nick it to buy fags, drugs or alcohol just sickens me.”

'Particularly mean-spirited’

Police say they will be looking at links to previous crimes.

The theft happened between 1pm and 1.15pm on Monday, July 4.

The thieves are thought to be from the Leysdown area.

The girl is described as about 5ft, aged between 17 and 18, pretty, wearing jeans and a little top, of slight build and with brown, shoulder length hair.

The man with her is also thought to be between aged 17 and 18, about 5ft 4in, of slight build, with a southern accent, shaven brown hair, wearing a shirt and carrying a jacket.

Investigating officer Det Sgt Neil Kimber said: “No theft is acceptable, but stealing charity boxes is particularly mean-spirited.

“We are keen to catch the culprits and urge anyone who recognises the descriptions or has information about the offenders to contact Sheerness CID.

“My officers will also be looking at any possible links with a series of charity box thefts which took place earlier in the year.

“In the meantime, we are asking people who look after charity boxes at their business or organisation to be extra vigilant.”

• Anyone with information should contact police on 01795 584112 or Kent Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111 quoting crime number CY/010499/11.