A CONSTRUCTION company has said it will replace an elderly veteran’s stolen scooter.

Former Royal Marine George Marsden, 89, was left housebound after his mobility scooter was taken from outside his house for the fourth time.

He said the vehicle was his lifeline and enabled him and his partner, who has arthritis of the spine, to get to the shops.

Barnfield Construction in Brierfield has offered to replace the second hand scooter with a new model, and a means of securing it outside his house to prevent further thefts.

Director Sheila Webber said she wanted to help after reading about Mr Marsden’s situation in the Lancashire Telegraph.

She said: “I was disgusted and saddened to hear that this gentleman has had his mobility scooter stolen for the fourth time.

“We will pay for a new one for him, and if the council are in agreement, set up a lock up to store it.

“I have spoken with our insurance provider who said they would be able to include him.

Mr Marsden said has been relying on taxis to get around said he was delighted.

He said: “I’m so grateful. I’m desperate to get it, I’ve been relying on taxis to get about since it was stolen.

“It’s costing me a fortune and walking around the shops is exhausting.

“What Barnfield have offered to do is uncommonly kind, I can’t thank them enough.”

Local councillor Terry Burns said the construction company’s actions had ‘restored his faith in humanity’. He said: “It’s amazing the generosity Barnfield has shown. There are not a lot of people who would be willing to do this for something.

“The world seems a lot more pleasant when people do things like this.”