Scooter offer for disabled victim

A kind-hearted Ceefax reader has come to the rescue of a disabled man whose electric scooter was stolen.

Sixty seven-year-old John Hopkinson, was left stranded after going to his local pub, the Treetops, in Week St Mary, near Bude in Cornwall.

When he came out his £1,000 blue scooter had been stolen.

After seeing his story Tony Powell, of Whipton, Exeter, offered Mr Hopkinson the scooter that was donated to his late wife Pamela by Exeter Lions Club.

This was a despicable crime and I'm just glad I can help out Tony Powell

Mr Powell, 55, said: "This item gave my wife a new lease of life, with much more independence, and I am more than happy to offer it to someone else.

"This was a despicable crime, I could not believe what I read, and I'm just glad I can help out."

Mr Hopkinson said: "It's fantastic news. When the scooter was stolen I was stuck in the house.

"Everyone has been so kind. The pub has even put out a reward for the return of the scooter."

After hearing of the theft Colin Wyatt, area sales manager of Bude mobility project, offered to carry out some minor repairs, and a service free of charge.

PC Dave Monkton, of Bude Police, said: "On behalf of the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary I would sincerely like to thank all those who have assisted in this very generous donation."

Police are still appealing for witnesses to the theft which happened in the car park of the pub between 2145 BST and midnight on 20 September.