GENEROUS businessman Ashley Smith stepped in to put an 89 year- old great grandfather back on the road after thieves stole his electric scooter.

Cambs Times: Gordon England on his new mobility scooter.Gordon England on his new mobility scooter. (Image: Archant)

When Mr Smith, director of East Anglian Mobility Warehouse, heard about Gordon England’s stolen scooter he offered him a new £1,200 Shoprider Sovereign to get him back to independence.

Cambs Times: Gordon England on his new mobility scooter.Gordon England on his new mobility scooter. (Image: Archant)

Mr England had only owned the maroon Sapphire LS2 since January but on Monday night it was stolen from his car port. He had bought the scooter after he found himself struggling to walk distances and was overjoyed to find it gave him back the freedom to go out with his 87 year old wife Evelyn.

Cambs Times: Gordon England on his new mobility scooter.Gordon England on his new mobility scooter. (Image: Archant)

Mr Smith, who spent three years in a wheelchair following a car crash in 2002 said: “I was told I would never walk again so I understand the frustration of struggling to get around and I wanted to help out.”

He added: “Running my business means I see people on a daily basis whose lives are changed thanks to having the freedom of mobility so understand how devastating it must have been for him.”

Mr England, the former Hereward School, March, caretaker said: “The scooter gave me my independence; it was my life and without it I was feeling severely restricted.

“I am honestly overwhelmed that someone would want to give me a new one like this.”

FULL STORY OF ASHLEY’S GENEROUS DONATION IN THIS WEEK’S CAMBS TIMES, OUT ON FRIDAY.