A HAMPSHIRE business has come to the rescue of an elderly widower who was robbed of his independence.

John Benson had been forced to give up his regular visits to the beach after thieves stole his treasured mobility scooter which was locked up at his New Milton home.

But bosses at Ableworld, in Woolston, were so disgusted when they read about the crime in the Daily Echo they wanted to donate a new mobility scooter to the 95-year-old.

As previously reported, the pensioner was devastated to discover that his only form of transport had been stolen from its lock up last week, after thieves cut through the steel padlock and wheeled it away.

Without it, Mr Benson, who suffers from arthritis, was unable to venture far from his home.

So the retired engineer was thrilled when Stephen Thompson, director of the mobility superstore arrived at his home with the new scooter, worth more than £1,000.

Daily Echo:

Mr Benson said: “I just can’t believe it. I think it is just wonderful. I am most grateful to everyone that has helped me. It is so nice.”

And as an added bonus, the company, which is based in Portsmouth Road, threw in three months free insurance and three months free breakdown cover to ensure Mr Benson can continue his visits to Barton beach.

Mr Thompson said: “We understand that those with restricted mobility face a challenge in being able to afford and maintain their independence.

“So when we were made aware of Mr Benson’s plight we were only too happy to offer him a replacement scooter.”