A ONE-LEGGED pensioner from Exmouth, who had his scooter stolen, has been given a replacement – described as the mobility vehicle equivalent of a Rolls-Royce car.

A ONE-LEGGED pensioner from Exmouth, who had his scooter stolen, has been given a replacement - described as the mobility vehicle equivalent of a Rolls-Royce car.

Brian Williams, 69, was recovering in hospital after having his leg amputated three weeks ago when his old scooter was taken from his property, in Rodney Close, and then dumped in a ditch.

But, George Martin, a 66-year-old from Middlesex, who read the heart-rending story on the Exmouth Journal website in May, kindly donated a new one last Tuesday.

A delighted Brian, who remains in Exmouth Hospital, while he recovers from the amputation, was allowed out of his ward to view the scooter when it arrived in the town.

He said: "It's great. I would like to thank George for this wonderful gesture. There are some nice people in the world after all."

Axminster-based SAK Logistics, who help distribute the Exmouth Journal and its sister titles, picked up the scooter from Middlesex and transported it to the hospital for the patient to view.

It is now being serviced by B Mobile, in Brixington Parade, Exmouth, ready for Brian to use when he is discharged.

George said: "The scooter is in an excellent condition. It just needs a new battery but I have enclosed a cheque for �100 to replace this. It belonged to my father who past away a few years ago.

"Everybody has been affected in one way or another by petty vandalism. For him to be in hospital and to have his mode of transport taken away is awful. It makes me sick.

"It is gathering dust and is the Rolls-Royce of scooters. I don't want any thanks - all I'm concerned with is that Brian is happy and likes it.

Martin Freeland, manager of the Geoffrey Willoughby ward at Exmouth Hospital where Brian is staying, said he was 'extremely pleased' to have heard about the scooter donation.

He added: "He is trying really hard to become mobile by working with the physio every morning. We hope that he should be able to go home in the next couple of weeks.

"All the staff have become fond of Brian. He has been a model patient - he is certainly a character who we have enjoyed having here.