A WOMAN has been robbed of more than £1,000 intended for a Hampshire charity.

The 44-year-old victim was crossing the road in Chandler’s Ford on her way to make the donation when a man approached her and snatched the envelope containing £1,690 in cash and a black iPhone 3GS.

He ran off down Winchester Road in the direction of Chandler’s Ford train station.

Despite being chased by the woman and members of the public ran into the car park at the back of Blockbusters and was lost from sight.

The woman was not injured but shaken and upset.

Police said the money had been saved up by her family to make a donation to a charity that would benefit people in the community.

The incident happened at the top of Oakmount Road with the junction of Winchester Road near the Fryern Arcade at around 4pm on Friday.

Police are appealing for witnesses, in particular a woman who helped the victim afterwards handing her some gloves.

The suspect is described as white, aged between 30 and 50 years old, of slim build, around six feet tall with dark stubble on his face.

He was wearing a dark blue or black woolly hat, a dark coloured hooded top or jacket and trousers, possibly jeans.

Police said this was a rare occurrence, but also urged people to reconsider large cash deposits opting for cash transfer or cheque instead.

They said anyone carrying a substantial amount of money should keep it hidden and be aware who sees it withdrawn.

If someone thinks they are being followed they should goto a busy place and call police.

Anyone with information should call police on 101.