A CHARITY worker more used to helping Romanian orphans has come to the rescue of a disabled man whose wheelchair was stolen.

Rod Jones, who runs Convoy Aid, was so moved by the plight of John Conlin that he gave him an electric wheelchair left by his late father.

Someone stole Mr Conlin's £1,700 wheelchair from the porch of his friend's house in Whessoe Walk, opposite Stockton's University Hospital of North Tees.

Cleveland Police were so incensed by the theft they scrambled a helicopter to search the streets of Stockton.

Since the incident, last Friday afternoon, Teessiders have pledged more than £1,000. Mr Conlin will use the money to buy a new chair.

Mr Conlin, who has been in a wheelchair since suffering a stroke and brain haemorrhage ten years ago, said yesterday: "I am eternally grateful to him for bringing this round for me.

"It will certainly do for now, until I can get a new one. Many people have sent in donations and I cannot thank them enough.

"It makes you realise that for every one nasty person in this world, there are ten with hearts of gold."

Police have yet to catch the thief. Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Steve Wilson on (01642) 302226.