A MUM was left fuming after the cash out of a charity tin was stolen, which she had put in a pub to raise money towards a group helping her daugter.

Ana Hobbs has been raising money with a group of friends since June for CLAPA (Cleft Lip and Palate Association) as her daughter, Abi, was born with a cleft palate last December.

The charity helps children and families like Abi's by providing practical and emotional support.

As well as taking on 18 challenging sports in eight months the Sport-a-Smile team, which consists of dad, John Hobbs, Paul Woodbridge, Andy Law and Hannah Larkai, they also put charity tins in three places including The Crown in Hazlemere.

But when Ana, from Totteridge, went to collect the tin from the Amersham Road pub she discovered it was behind the bar and the lid had been tampered with and the money removed.

She said: "It was such a shame. We had been telling our friends to go in there and put money in the tin. I know there was at least £20 in there as I had been putting money in too."

The 31-year-old said she was disappointed by the reaction of the company which owns the pub, Greene King.

She said: "They just don't care at all. We are not blaming any one. It was just a case that there was no goodwill gesture from the company."

Abi was born on December 19 and had a first birthday party at the Totteridge Community Centre on Saturday.

The good news is due to the hard work of friends, family and the team they have raised £2,350.

To sponsor the team click on the link below. Spokesman for Greene King, Lucy Clegg, said: "We are aware of a customer complaint regarding a charity collection tin left at The Crown. The police are currently investigating and we are happy to assist with their enquiries.

"As such it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."

If any one knows anything about the theft contact the police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800555111.