Updated 2.22pm: The Marlborough RSA is disgusted after three young teens tried to steal a poppy donation bucket.

Police are searching for two girls and a boy who tried to grab the bucket off a volunteer outside the BNZ on Friday.

The volunteer- a disabled ex-serviceman - managed to keep hold of the bucket and the teens ran away.

Marlborough RSA president John Forrest says RSA volunteers raise money for those who fought for freedom.

"It's attacking what those people fought for. To me it's just outrageous, it's bloody disgusting."

He also lauded the work of the man holding the collection bucket. 

"The chap that had the poppy bin has only got one leg, but he held on to the poppy bucket and we still have it today. But that's beside the point. The brazen behaviour is just downright outrageous."

Police are reviewing CCTV footage and want to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident.