A teenager left housebound after her wheelchair was stolen has been given a new lease of life thanks to a Lincolnshire man.

Scoliosis sufferer Francesca McCaffrey (16) had her wheelchair stolen by heartless criminals on Thursday last week.

The specially adapted chair was taken from the porch of her home in Laughton Way, Ermine, Lincoln.

But now the generosity of Alan Williams, of Cherry Willingham, means she can go to school and out with friends on a mobility scooter.

"I looked at the Echo and saw that story and felt disgusted," said full-time carer Mr Williams (60).

"My wife is disabled so I know that not having a way to get around would be a terrible blow for a young girl.

"My wife had a spare chair because we recently found her a new one in the Echo's classifieds. I would much rather it go to someone really in need than get a few bob for it."

He has now given Francesca the nifty red four-wheel scooter. To buy one would cost up to £1,000.

Francesca was over the moon, which made the offer worth it, he said.

The condition she suffers from causes curvature of the spine, leaving her confined to a wheelchair until she undergoes major surgery.

"I'm really pleased with the scooter because it is hard to move the wheels on a regular chair myself and this allows me to be more independent," said Francesca, who is due to have surgery at Leicester Royal Infirmary later this year.

For more on the donated scooter, see Monday's Echo.