The listeners of Mansfield 103.2 radio’s breakfast show on Thursday pledged £1,617 to an elderly Edwinstowe family after burglars robbed them in their own home.

The two raiders struck on John Bowley’s 71st birthday as he was sleeping in his Edwinstowe home on Wednesday.

They threatened the pensioner and his 93-year-old mother after breaking the lock on the back door of their home and bursting into their bedrooms.

The burglars ransacked the house before grabbing around £1,500.

The story was highlighted throughout the radio station’s breakfast show by presenter Ian Watkins and managing director Tony Delahunty – and listeners pledged £1,617 to help the family.

A further £500 was donated by the station’s owner for the elderly victims to take a holiday.

Mr Delahunty said: “We just wanted to show them that people still care.”

Police are urging anyone with information about the incident in the Ollerton Road area of Edwinstowe to contact them by calling 101.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.