A TEENAGER who was left devastated when thieves wrote off his first car, had his faith in human nature restored yesterday when a mystery benefactor stepped forward.

Stuart Sokell, of Binchester, near Bishop Auckland, had battled his way back to full health since undergoing a liver transplant when he was five years old.

The Northern Echo reported last week how the 17-year-old, who attends Bishop Auckland College, was learning to drive and was looking forward to taking his Mini Sprite out on the road.

But he had his independence shattered when thieves wrecked his beloved car and dumped it at the A1M near Durham.

Yesterday, a woman from Bishop Auckland, who read about his plight in The Northern Echo, offered Stuart a white E-registered Ford Fiesta which was no longer used by her son.

Stuart's mum, Elizabeth Sokell, said: "It was so kind of her, giving Stuart a car - it's just unbelievable. It just goes to show there are some nice people out there. It does restore your faith in human nature. I would like to thank her and The Northern Echo for their help."

The 55-year-old benefactor, who did not want to be named, said: "I just thought he could use it. I can remember how hard it was for my son when he was younger to get started with a car. I thought it might keep him going for a while.