A pensioner says his faith in humanity has been restored after a Sheerness firm donated a mobility scooter to help his disabled wife.

Marine Parade resident Martin Harris said he was “surprised and delighted” by the offer from Ability Plus, which is based in Russell Street.

Sandra Humphrey, manager of the shop which sells disability aids, contacted the 77-year-old after she read in the Times Guardian earlier this month how thieves broke into the couple’s Transit van and stole batteries from their old scooter.

It left them facing a hefty bill to find replacements until the company came forward with a new vehicle.

Artist Mr Harris, whose wife Susan is severely disabled, said: “It was a lovely thing Sandra did – I’m extremely grateful.

“We’re planning a trip to Deal in the next few days and it will be wonderful to have the scooter to take us down the pier.

“It’s restored my faith in humanity.”

Mrs Humphrey, who said Mr Harris has been a regular visitor to the store, said the donation of a new scooter was part of the company’s ethos of supporting the community it serves.

“There was no point giving him another set of batteries because he wouldn’t have been able to get them back on the scooter,” she said.

“The reconditioned vehicle will be perfect for their needs. People these days have no regard for others, but our customers need to know we’re going to back them up and help them out.”

Mr Harris added: “This is another example of how some human beings can be so nasty, while others can be so nice. I’m extremely thankful.”

It’s the second good turn people have done the couple. When Mr Harris took his van to the Gulf garage on the High Street to vacuum up broken glass, staff members did the work for him for free.

Anybody with information about the theft should call 101 quoting reference XY/10758/15.