AN RAF veteran whose life revolves around Swindon Town has been left devastated after money he saved from his pension for away matches was stolen in a burglary at his home in Stratton St Margaret.

Stephen Dance, 84, who has been attending games since 1945, returned from an afternoon trip with a friend to find £400 cash had been taken from an upstairs bedroom.

One or more thieves had kicked in his front door after targeting his home in broad daylight on June 3.

The away games had been a lifeline for the loyal season ticket holder, giving him the chance to travel far and wide and meet new people.

The former Leading Aircraftman, who lives in a house without central heating, is now faced with saving the cash all over again.

He said: “I saved the money for the travel club. Going to games is my whole thing in life. I’ve been going since 1945 and it’s about the only thing that gets me out and about meeting new people.”

The pensioner, who stakes a claim for being Swindon Town’s most loyal supporter, had been out with a friend when the burglary took place.

He said: “I left home at a quarter to one to meet a friend who had parked over the road and we went to get his car serviced.

“They must have seen us as we left as they’d managed to force their way in by the time I got back a couple of hours later.

“I’ve lived in the house since 1961 and never had a problem like this before.”

Mr Dance, who served in air-sea rescue for the RAF, has been all over the country supporting his side, and says he knows every fish and chip shop in Hartlepool.

Among the journeys he had been looking forward to was the 270-mile trip to Carlisle United, where he has been several times before, on the opening day of the EFL League Two season.

The widower, who attended the 1966 World Cup final, believes he is Swindon Town’s longest-attending fan, having been a County Ground regular since the post-war era.

Mr Dance received a visit from the Wiltshire Bobby Van on Monday, a free, charitable service offering vulnerable and disadvantaged people support in staying safe and secure.

Security was improved at his house as a result of the visit.

A spokesman for Wiltshire Police confirmed the break-in was being investigated and appealed for anyone with information to contact the force on 101.