OWNERS of a Gwent pub say burglars who stole £140 in charity money collected for disabled youngsters are the 'lowest of the low'.

Punters donated loose change over the last two years into three coin jars on the bar of The Sally, in Tranch Road, Pontypool, for the Sparkle Appeal. The appeal, run by the South Gwent Children's Foundation charity and backed by the Argus, aims to raise £6 million so that a new centre can be built to cater for the needs of more than 1,200 disabled children across the area.

Two of the jars, which were each 12 inches high, were stolen during the break-in in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The bars of a window in a pool room at the rear of the pub had been sawn through, and a fruit machine was also raided, with £50 worth of coins taken.

Now licensees Paul and Terri Whelan are offering a £200 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the offenders.

"These people are scum in my book," said Mrs Whelan, 51. "We're not bothered about the gambling money - it's the charity money that makes me angry.

"I want to see these people brought to justice." Two youths wearing dark hoodies were seen running away moments after the break-in at 2.15am.

They fled after being disturbed by relief manager Paul Jeffries, who went to investigate after hearing Mr and Mrs Whelan's dogs barking. Anyone with information is asked to call Gwent Police on 01633 838111.