A reward to help catch thugs who robbed a Second World War veteran has been doubled by an outraged Black Country businessman – while an ex-serviceman organisation has pledged to return the precious regimental badge that was stolen.

The Express & Star told yesterday how 82-year-old Donald Holder was punched and robbed of the badge he had carried since 1944 when he served with the 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment.

Businessman Richard Carter, who owns Wednesfield-based Energyseal window and conservatory company, was the first to offer a £500 reward for information leading to the conviction of the attackers.

And after reading of Mr Holder’s ordeal, Brian Smith, boss of B Smith Properties in New Invention, has added another £500.

Today the Fraternal Old Comrades 2006 contacted the Express & Star to say they would send a Parachute Regiment blazer badge to Mr Holder.

The attack happened at 11pm on Saturday. Anyone with information can call Wednesfield CID on 0845 113 5000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.