A pensioner from Plymouth has thanked police and Evening Herald readers after they helped reunite him with his stolen wheelchair.

Jim Irving’s plans to deliver aid to a Romanian orphanage this month were disrupted when thieves took the wheelchair from outside his Barbican home.

But now he can concentrate on arranging the trip after the wheelchair was handed in to a harbour office nearby.

Staff had read about Mr Irving’s plight in the Herald, so they called police to ensure the wheelchair’s safe return.

Mr Irving, 74, who is partially paralysed, said: "I’m relieved that my wheelchair has been returned and now I’m looking forward to visiting Romania.

"I would like to say a big thank you to the police, for returning my wheelchair, and the newspaper, for publishing my story."

Later this month, Mr Irving and friends Clive Jackson and Marie Mellor are to drive a relief lorry to an orphanage in Gherla, near the city of Cluj-Napoca.

The three aid visitors, who are all members of Plymouth’s Christian Community Church, plan to take medical and household supplies. Anyone wishing to donate items should contact Mr Irving on 01752 291166 or Mr Jackson on 01752 569424. Cheques should be made payable to Christian Community Church.

TAG: world disability news