A CARPENTER who had his tools stolen days before finding out he had cancer has been bowled over by generous offers to help get him back on his feet.

Self-employed Vaughan Lendon-Montrose is now a "good way" towards replacing his equipment after a Kidderminster tool hire firm stepped in with a kind-hearted gesture.

John Davies, owner of Hire It, has generously offered to replace some of Mr Lendon-Montrose's stolen tools and give him £500 so he can get his business, VLM Carpentry, back on the road again.

The father of four visited the shop on Tuesday with a list of what he needed and said he was "very bowled over by John's gesture" , adding: "The little things go a long way."

Mr Davies said he was compelled to help after being touched by Mr Lendon-Montrose's story in last week's Shuttle.

"It's really sad when somebody has all their tools stolen," said Mr Davies. "It's his only form of work and I don't want to see him out of work. I want to see him get back to work as soon as possible. If anybody else would like to contribute they can."

Mr Lendon-Montrose said his faith in human nature had now been restored after being inundated with equipment donations just hours after The Shuttle told of his plight.

Calls flooded in to the newspaper's office from residents and businesses desperate to help the 47-year-old replace the £4,000 worth of tools taken from his van, including a £100 donation posted through his door.

"I'm very touched," said Mr Lendon-Montrose, who was diagnosed with thyroid cancer three days before the theft. "I have been inundated with offers of tools and of monetary help.

"The fact that it's come from the local community really restores your faith in human nature. There are more good people in this world than there are bad and you have to focus on that.

" I need tools to work and provide for my family so I'm really touched by the fact that people have decided to help me out.

"I had someone anonymously put £100 through my door and I would like to thank them."

Mr Lendon-Montrose also praised The Shuttle for highlighting his story , adding: "It's good to know that there's a paper like [The Shuttle] out there," he said. "It really makes a difference."