SUPPORT has flooded in from the Five Valleys and beyond for elderly Eric and Lilian Moore - who lost their life savings and treasured family heirlooms to bogus callers.

Cards, winter supplies and more than £300 has been donated to the frail Avening couple following last week's SNJ report.

The Moore's daughter, Barbara Bond, who also lives in the village, has been astounded by the kind offers of help.

"The response has been absolutely unbelievable," she said. "We just can't give enough thanks to everyone."

She said the health of her parents, who are both in their late 80s, has declined since the distraction burglary on Friday, November 17, with night nurses being called out several times this week.

But she added that they have been cheered up by the dozens of well-wishing notes and cards.

"Their little faces light up when they see a pretty card," said Barbara.

"They have even had cards from people they don't know who have given up their Christmas bonuses.

"And one of dad's old school chums turned up with four or five bags of shopping for Christmas. People have been so kind."

Collections are being made in the village post office and by the couple's extended family.

And pupils at the village school, Avening Primary, put together a Christmas hamper.

"There is a strong community spirit here and pupils were shocked by what happened," said headteacher Diana Boulton.

"It's a lovely gesture as it came from the children."

Meanwhile, the SNJ has been inundated with emails and calls offering help.

A note from one reader, who donated £20, said: "How very sad it is that anyone can do this to pensioners. My heart goes out to them.

"I am a pensioner myself and Mr Moore must be heartbroken to lose the medals.

"Please will you give them this money so they can have a Christmas dinner."

A caller, who donated cash, said: "Losing the medals is terrible. It's just callous taking the only thing Mr Moore had to remember his father."

Another reader said: "It's awful and such a shock to see something like this happen to elderly people."

One caller donated £100.

"My wife and I work for an old lady of 93 and it just struck home really that this couple are in their 80s and they had all their money stolen," he said.

"It's really sad that someone could do this."

Another donor said: "I haven't been able to get their timid faces out of my mind.

"It beggars belief that anyone could be so awful to such vulnerable people."

As the SNJ went to press, a hamper packed with seasonal goodies arrived at the SNJ office.

The sender, 44-year-old mother-of-five said: "I was appalled at the actions of these men, especially the fact they took Mr Moore's father's medals.

"My grandfather's medals are very precious in our family.

"We wanted them to know that not everyone is like that and to restore their faith so they can have a good Christmas."

A kind message attached to the hamper read: "I am so sorry that some of the cowards of this world have decided to target you for their selfish and destructive behaviour.

Please know that there are more good people than bad. Your father will always be remembered for what he did - wherever his medals are. I wish you a Merry Christmas." XX