Man charged over Bradley Lowery charity box theft

Sunderland fan Bradley was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2013

A man has been charged over the theft of a charity box raising funds for a five-year-old boy with terminal cancer.

The box for Bradley Lowery was stolen from The Lunch Box in Peterlee on Sunday, the Northern Echo reported.

On Monday, Durham Police tweeted a picture of coins in a bag and the message: "Got your money back mate, keep fighting buddy."

A 35-year-old Chester-le-Street man is due to appear before Newton Aycliffe magistrates, charged with theft.

Bradley, five, from Blackhall Colliery near Hartlepool, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2013.

Hundreds of thousands of pounds have been raised for Bradley and he has received support from his favourite football club Sunderland and fellow Premier League side Everton.

The money has been used to fund treatment to prolong his life, but last month it was revealed he had developed a new tumour at the base of his back.

Bradley, who has also become friends with Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe, is set to be a mascot for England when they play Lithuania on 26 March.