CHARITY fundraisers who have raised more than £10,000 for good causes have been left "gutted" after a brazen thief stole from them.

Friends Dave Clothier and Stuart Maggs were raising money for Children in Need yesterday - as they have done for years - by taking to the streets of Southampton with their McCarthy musical organ and steam roller.

But when they were packing up to head home after a day on Above Bar Street they were targeted by thieves.

Mr Clothier, 71, from Shirley, had began to move his car so he could fit the generator into the boot.

But no sooner had he got back out of the driving seat he realised thieves had stolen his Honda Suitcase generator – said to be worth more than £1,500.

"It was a matter of minutes," he said, speaking to the Echo.

"I had got into the car to move it forward a bit. When I went round to get the generator it was gone. Someone was obviously watching. It was so quick.

He added: "It's just not on. We want to make somebody feel guilty.

"Why should people go around nicking stuff when were are trying to help people? It's unbelievable."

Over the years Stuart and Dave have raised around £1000 a year for Children In Need, Southampton hospital, Wessex Cancer Trust and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Helicopter.

Now they want to jog the conscience of the person who stole it - and are asking people to help get the generator back.

Stuart, 67, from Bassett Avenue added: "We've been doing it for around four or five years now and we usually raise around £300 each year.

"I'm gutted about it that somebody could stoop that low.

"You turn up for a good cause and it takes the shine off it."

He added: "Someone tried to steal our collection bucket the year before last but we managed to stop them and get it back."

Hampshire police have been contacted for a comment.