A FORMER Royal British Legion treasurer has admitted pocketing nearly £1,700 from the charities funds.

Anthony Brian Boswell, aged 69, of Wassell Road, Wollescote, pleaded guilty at Dudley Magistrates Court to stealing the cash from the Lye and Wollescote branch between December 2010 and June 2013.

He was given a two month community order and must repay the £1,676.99 he had taken.

Boswell was also given a two month curfew and for the duration, must remain at his home address between 6pm and 6am and was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £60 and £300 court costs.

Ward councillor (Cradley and Wollescote) Tim Crumpton, said the theft was "a kick in the teeth for those who worked hard to collect the money".