SHANE Pullen has just returned from Afghanistan, fighting for Queen and country, but that didn't stop thieves breaking into his car and stealing charity money to support his fellow servicemen.

The Pullen family from Oakdale were enjoying what should have been a celebration of the Colour Sergeant's safe return at his surprise welcome home party at Fleur-de-Lys RFC.

But while the Welsh Guard's Fiat Punto was parked outside the club on October 10, it was broken into and two iPods, a jacket, 'Support the Welsh Guards' wristbands, as well as £90 his family raised for the charity by selling the bands were stolen.

It was not until the next morning when Colour Sgt Pullen and his wife Beth, 27, returned to pick up the car that they discovered the break-in.

Clr Sgt Pullen returned from serving six months in the war-torn country at the end of September.

He has been in the army for 15 years and done tours of duty in Iraq, Bosnia and Northern Ireland.

“I was disgusted, I go away for six months to work for people who live in this country then these same people are stealing from me," he said.

"I’d like to see them go to Afghanistan and do what we do, maybe that would change them.”

The couple, who have a three-year-old son, Derryn, said they were devastated by the theft of the cash for a cause so close to their hearts.

His sister, Tracey Bass, 47, of Highfield, Blackwood, said: "He's been fighting, having his friends killed and he comes home to this, it's disgusting, these thugs need to be found - they should be locked up."

Mrs Pullen added: "I was tamping, they've obviously got no morals at all - they could see the bands and what the money was for, I can't believe people would do something like this."

The total value of the items stolen is more than £400, as well as £60 for the window and £100 insurance excess.

The couple hope they can reclaim the charity money through army kit insurance.

A police spokeswoman said the theft was reported on the morning of October 11 and they are appealing for anyone with information to call Gwent Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.