Residents in Southwell Close recently left bags out for a Wednesday collection which were stolen.

One of the residents, who wished to remain anonymous, sad: "We've always supported the air ambulance. Normally we just put the bags out for collection, go off to work and think no more of it.

"Due to me being off work through illness recently I saw the 'collection'. A silver Ford Transit Connect van pulled up and the male driver and female passenger got out, ran to our bags and three from our neighbours, and sped off.

"About an hour later a Ford Transit pulled up with the correct air ambulance logo on it. Having spoken to the air ambulance collection centre they confirmed the first van wasn't theirs and that only vans with their logo are genuine."

Claire Marshall, fundraising director for Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance, said: "This is a sad situation and I find it upsetting someone would steal from a local charity.

"As a registered charity we need all the voluntary income we can get. I would ask people to ensure they carry on donating clothing and make sure they support Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance.

"We've spoken with DB Collections, who collect on our behalf, and would ask that if you see anything suspicious or are worried about leaving collection bags outside your house please call Roy on 01536 480 007".