A charity has stepped in to help veterans and students get back on their feet after "heartless" thieves raided their blacksmith’s forge.

Thousands of pounds worth of equipment was stolen from the Veterans’ Forge Community Interest Company near Corfe Castle last month.

The project, which has been running for less than a year, helps veterans and students learn blacksmith skills and offers therapeutic sessions, as well as training for local students.

Raiders stole items including machines and tools worth some £2,500.

Since the theft, the Dorset Royal British Legion has been raising money to help the forge replace it's equipment.

Today Ian Jarvis, chairman of RBL Dorset, will present a cheque for £2,500 to Will Spicer, who is the founder of the veteran's forge project.

Mr Jarvis said: "For this theft to take place during Remembrance Tide whilst the forge was preparing poppies for sale, and also manufacturing the beacon which was to be used as part of a nationwide project, shows that these thieves are heartless.

"I am hoping that our gesture will show the other side of humanity. The forge provides a unique facility for our veterans and helps them in so many ways that we cannot stand by and do nothing."