Left without his wheels-Barney St Anton. Photo by Simon Horn. Ref shs 0407-51-11SH To order your copy of this photograph visit www.sidmouthherald.co.uk and click on myphotos24

“Shocked” rugby skipper handed new moped by Good Samaritan pensioner

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A TEEN theft victim was left “shocked” by the kindness of a complete stranger who gave him hundreds of pounds to buy a new moped.

Rugby captain Barney St Anton has expressed his gratitude to an elderly Good Samaritan who came to his rescue after criminals stole his valued run-around and lobbed it into a river.

The pensioner, who wants to remain anonymous, tracked down A-Level student Barney, 18, after reading his tale of moped woe in the Sidmouth Herald.

The pair had never met - but the woman handed him £400 for a new motorcycle.

“I couldn’t have expected that kind of generosity from friends or family, let alone a complete stranger,” said Barney, of Alexandria Road.

The Herald reported in December how the young Sidmouth Colts skipper was gutted when culprits took - then wrecked - the Suzuki Katana he’d slogged all summer in a sandwich kitchen to pay for.

He was left with no way of getting to Colyton Grammar School as crucial exams loomed.

“This woman just came in one day and said how disgusted she was someone could do that,” said Barney, who works at Nosh in Market Place.

“She said what she read nearly brought her to tears and she didn’t believe anyone could be that mindless.

“I was shocked – I didn’t expect it at all.

“It was such a contrast how one person would go out of their way to do what they did – and how another would go out of their way to put it right.

“I bought a new moped with the money she gave me and can now get to and from school again.

“The woman is a very loving and special person. We previously didn’t know each other, but she’s been in for a cup of tea since.

“We’ve arranged for me to do some gardening for her in the summer.

“I just want to say a massive thank-you to her.”