PENSIONER Reginald Boyland thought his dream of independence was shattered.

As reported in Tuesday's Argus, the former miner's £3,400 savings - set aside for a motorised scooter - were stolen by thieves who walked into his flat last Thursday afternoon, as he slept.

But a generous Argus reader donated a scooter after we highlighted the theft - and Mr Boyland, who is partially deaf and suffers with severe arthritis, is finally able to get about with his own set of wheels.

"I'm absolutely thrilled," said the 90-year-old, of Northville, Cwmbran. "I can't express how grateful I am. It is very, very kind of him."

Mr Boyland's daughter, Kay Lawrence, 57, from Pontypool, echoed her father's thanks. "This scooter will change my father's life," she said. "He is a very independent man and it will allow him to carry on doing the things he loves."

One of Mr Boyland's first outings with the scooter will be to his allotment at Croesyceiliog.

"He used to visit the allotment all the time," said Mrs Lawrence. "But recently he just hasn't been physically able to.

"The scooter is going to make all the difference."

The kind-hearted donor, William Davies, from Newport, paid £1,500 for the scooter 18 months ago, but has since bought a newer model.

"I had been trying to sell it," said Mr Davies. "But I haven't had much luck and I would rather see it go to a good home.

"I saw Mr Boyland's story in the Argus and it seemed the perfect solution."

Since the incident last Thursday, Mr Boyland has been suffering with his nerves and has been unable to eat properly. His daughter hopes the good news will help aid his recovery.

"He seems to have perked up and has even eaten a celebratory ice-cream," she said.

Mr Boyland had fallen asleep with his front door open when the theft occurred at his flat.

He dozed off at around noon, and awoke to find a hand over him, removing his wallet and the two envelopes containing £3,400 - life savings and compensation for ill-health as a result of years working down Tirpentwys colliery.

Police say it was a "particularly nasty and cowardly incident", and are urging anyone with information to contact them on 01633 838999.