An Army veteran has spoken of his shock after he travelled 7,300 miles around Britain before thieves stole his charity cash collection.

Mark Newton set off on his challenge from his home town of Swansea, south Wales, on April 7 last year.

But on Monday the 48-year-old had money stolen from his collection bucket near a Tesco supermarket in Portsmouth city centre.

He said: ''It's the first time it's happened and I've been through some real dodgy spots. I'm still carrying on.

''I've left because of what's happened. This has shocked me.''

Mr Newton has about 4,000 miles to complete his challenge, which he is doing using a specially-adapted scooter that tows a small caravan he uses to sleep in and to house his two cats, Smudge and Missy.

He has so far collected almost £27,000 for military charity SSAFA, the RNLI, Royal British Legion, Help for Heroes, and his regiment, 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards.

A Hampshire police spokesman said about £30 is believed to have been stolen and Tesco was reviewing its CCTV footage. Witnesses should contact Hampshire police on 101.

John Hicks, who donated on Mr Newton's fundraising page, said: ''Hello, heard that some of your cash was stolen from Portsmouth. As a local of the city I feel compelled to help you out. Best of luck with the rest of your journey.''

Another contributor, Mike, wrote: ''We're not all bad in Portsmouth.''

For information and to donate, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com.