A DISABLED pensioner has been gifted a mobility scooter after his was stolen from outside his front door.

Keith Murray parked his scooter outside his house on Olive Lane, Darwen, at around 8pm on Wednesday February 5.

But the following day, when he came to leave the house, he found his only mode of transport had vanished.

Mr Murray got in touch with the Lancashire Telegraph to ask for help, and following an appeal a businessman offered to donate him a new scooter.

Michael Timmins, who owns Townfield Mobility in Great Harwood, said: “I saw the article and thought I’d get in touch to offer Keith a loan of a scooter until his is found.

“If the police don’t recover it or if no-one hands it back, then he can keep our scooter.”

Mr Timmins went to visit Mr Murray at his home and handed over his new set of wheels.

He said: “Keith was over the moon. I’ve also insured the scooter for three months for him for free.”

Following the theft, Mr Murray told the Telegraph he relied on the scooter to get him out and about and to the shops, as he hated being housebound.

The 73-year-old, who is unsteady on his feet and can walk only a few yards without feeling breathless, said: “Every time I wanted to leave the house, I could only walk a few yards and I had to stop.

“I only had my scooter about eight months. I reported it to the police and it would be nice to get it back.

“I was shocked and surprised when Michael got in touch to offer me a scooter but I am very grateful to him.”

Townfield sells new and second hand mobility products and opened a showroom on Queen Street in Great Harwood 12 months ago.

Mr Timmins added: “Keith’s unfortunate story was a great way for us to give back to the community that has supported us this past year.”

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Mr Murray’s stolen mobility scooter can contact the police on 101 quoting log reference 0482 of February 10.