This week’s theft of a memorial plaque from RAF Windrush is a sad and sorry occurrence.

The plaque, commemorating the most noble and selfless kind of heroism may have appeared to be merely a lump of copper to the thief but represents so much more to the village of Windrush.

Sgt Hancock’s decision to give his life in such unlikely circumstances singles him out as a hero, not because he took the time to plan such an action but because it was second nature for his generation to think of others first.

Although another plaque exists in the village the callous act of theft which removed the first plaque says something about the heartlessness of career criminals today.

Windrush is not a large place and whoever took the plaque is unlikely to have gone there just for one copper plaque, suggesting they had thievery in mind when visiting the village.

However, few people are this heartless and a number of people in the area have shown considerable determination to carry on despite adversity this week.

Dilwyn and Gwilym Evans are just one example of this kind of person, completing an 86 mile cycle in pouring rain and strong winds despite having their bikes stolen only a day before.

A group of 16-17 year olds taking part in the NCS challenge have also been dedicating their time to helping others and have shown that although there are some people who have no conscience there is hope for the future of the Cotswolds.