A COLLEGE tutor who has been like a “lost boy” since his beloved old sports car had to be sent off to the scrap yard has been given a dream birthday present.

Laurence Cawley

A COLLEGE tutor who has been like a “lost boy” since his beloved old sports car had to be sent off to the scrap yard has been given a dream birthday present.

Lecturer Dennis Stevens, who teaches at West Suffolk College in Bury St Edmunds, who was left speechless when he was presented with a 1977 MGB GT on his 60th birthday.

Colleagues and students gathered to see his wife Penny present him with the car, a replacement for a cherished veteran MG, recently sent for scrappage against a new car.

“Dennis had to give up his last MG, as it had died,” said Mrs Stevens. “He has been like a lost boy without it: he has always had MGs.”

John Brandon, an Automotive lecturer at the College, was selling his MGB GT and Mrs Stevens thought it would be a brilliant 60th birthday gift.

“Everyone knew except Dennis,” she said. “My parents and children chipped in. I had insured it so he can drive it straight away!”

Mr Stevens, who has taught at the College since 1984, is a popular member of staff. Students from the business and management courses he teaches joined college principal Dr Ann Williams and other close colleagues to witness his surprise.

He was led down, blindfold, to where the car was waiting, adorned with ribbon bows.

“He was speechless - and still is!” his wife said.