KIND-hearted people are attempting to raise £1,800 to replace cash that was stolen from an 89-year-old war veteran.

Paul Youngs was jailed for 12 weeks last week after befriending World War Two veteran Kenneth Dawson and taking £1,800 from his bank account.

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Burnley Magistrates' Court heard how ex-care worker Youngs, 53, targeted and stole from vulnerable Mr Dawson, known as Ken, who he had met at Rosegrove Unity Working Men's Club.

So far £140 of the £1,800 target has been raised on the Just Giving webpage that has been set up.

A statement on the page reads: "This is a collection page for Mr Kenneth Dawson, a lovely man that fought for our country in World War Two.

"This man fought for our country putting his life at risk for us all. A scumbag robbed him of his life savings, let's try and help to get his money back for him. Thanks for your support."

Mr Dawson, a committee member at the well-known club in Rossendale Road for many years, has difficulty walking and Youngs had started to help him do his shopping.

The hearing was told how the victim trusted the defendant and gave him his bank card to take out £150 every week.

Prosecutor Tracy Yates said: "Instead, it appears the defendant took out £300, gave the aggrieved £150 and kept £150 for himself."

Mr Dawson told police he has now been left with a hole in his life savings.

To donate to the fund, visit www.justgiving.com/yimby/mrkennethdawson#/.