A COMMUNITY champion was so angered after yobs cut the brakes on a pensioner's mobility scooter that she is paying for it to be repaired.

James Rimmer, 67, of Elizabeth House sheltered accommodation in Sudellside, Darwen, was moved to tears by the kindness of Pat Forsyth.

Pat, 59, of Montrose Street, Blackburn, read about James' plight in yesterday's Lanca-shire Telegraph.

We reported how yobs had sunk to a new low by cutting the brakes on James' scooter.

When he set off down a hill, the scooter hurtled out of control and he narrowly avoided a collision with a car when it crossed a busy road.

He eventually managed to bring it under control. But the repair bill for the brakes meant he faced having to cancel a holiday to Morecambe.

Pat last week won a Respect Award from the government for taking a stand against anti-social behaviour in her community.

She has offered James £700 of her £1,000 prize money - which was given to her to spend on the community - for the repairs.

Pat, who will collect her award in Birmingham tomorrow, said: "I saw the Telegraph and was disgusted by what some youths had done.

"The money has to be put back into the community and after reading the newspaper I wanted to give it to him as he has been the victim of anti-social behaviour.

"He shouldn't have to give up his holiday to pay for his scooter repairs."

James thanked Pat for her kindness.

He said: "I am absolutely delighted. I should still be able to go on holiday to Morecambe.

"The scooter is my life.

"I'm so happy and I really appreciate that someone would do that for me."

James's daughter, Beverley Horridge, 42, of Lightbrown Street, said her father broke down in tears when he heard of Pat's offer.

She said: "He is dependent on the scooter to get out and about. It is a lovely thing for someone to do.

"He can have his independence back."

A Miller Care engineer will assess the damage to determine the exact cost of the repairs.

Pat won the Respect Award after leading her community's fight against drug dealers and prostitutes by working with residents and support groups to tackle the problems.