A GENEROUS company has given a £50 voucher to a community stalwart who had his VHS player stolen by crooks.

Cash Converters, in Braintree, gave Keith Shoat, 81, the token after three conmen barged into his flat in Keeble Way and took the machine after asking to change a £50 note.

Company director Alastair Kay decided to rally round and help after Mr Shoat visited the shop to see if his player had been sold on.

Mr Shoat, who litter picks for Braintree Council “365 days a year” despite waiting for a new hip, had also originally bought the player from Cash Converters.

He said: “They must have seen me and thought ‘not again’ because this is the second time I’ve been burgled.

“They handed the voucher to me and I said ‘can I accept this?’.

I haven’t spent it on anything yet.

“It was very kind.”

See this week's Braintree & Witham Times for more