A DISABLED man from Hadleigh who has had three bikes stolen in the last 12 months has today thanked an Ipswich business after he was presented with a new £350 bike.

A DISABLED man from Hadleigh who has had three bikes stolen in the last 12 months has today thanked an Ipswich business after he was presented with a new £350 bike.

David Scott's plight was featured on the front of Tuesday's Evening star after he had three bikes stolen in the space of just 12 months.

He has also suffered a spate of other anti-social problems at the hands of the heartless yobs who have thrown eggs at his house, tried to set fire to his front door and even killed the fish in his pond.

However, Mr Scott, who suffers from rheumatism and arthritis, was especially upset at the theft of his bikes.

He has great difficulty walking but finds cycling much easier and he always used to bike to and from his job at the Co-op in Hadleigh.

Mr Scott's shocking story was seen by Terry Fenwick, general manager of The Windscreen Company, in Turret Lane, who immediately contacted the Star with the offer of a new bike.

And yesterday, Mr Scott came to Ipswich with his sister Elaine and nephew Jordan to pick up his new bike.

Mr Scott, of Timperley Road, said: "It was a bit of a shock when I found out. I'm really pleased with it – it's a great bike.

"I will be riding to and from Ipswich again soon!"

His sister Elaine described the gesture as "fantastic".

She said: "I'm really chuffed for David. It's really good news and it also looks as though the council will be re-housing him too, so that's great. It's been a good outcome all round.

"He can now cycle to work rather than walk and the Co-op has given him a safe place to put it when he's there.

"Hopefully this is an end to his problems."

The top-of-the-range bike comes complete with suspension, 21 gears, a water bottle and, most importantly, a lock.

Mr Fenwick from The Windscreen Company, said he was disgusted with the way Mr Scott was victimised by yobs.

He said: "We get the Star delivered here everyday and when I saw the story I just thought it was a sick sort of thing to happen. What has he ever done to anyone else?

"He needed a new bike and we were more than happy to get him one. I thought if we could help in any way it would be great."