A MOTHER says she has been overwhelmed by the kindness of friends and strangers who have helped her replace her son's stolen car.

Aaron Forsyth's Citroen Saxo was stolen and then written off last week in Colburn, North Yorkshire.

His mother Sarah Bayliss, who bought the car for his 18th birthday, said it was her son's pride and joy, as well as his transport to work.

News of the theft quickly spread around the local community and Ms Bayliss soon began receiving offers of help.

Ms Bayliss was given a significant discount on a replacement Ford Fiesta by Swale Auto Sales, in Brompton-on-Swale, after owner Jason Newall heard about the incident.

At the suggestion of customers, a collection boxes was installed by Beacon Garage, in Colburn, where Ms Bayliss works.

More than £120 has already been collected, with the money paying for the road tax for Aaron's replacement car.

Ms Bayliss said she had been "overwhelmed" by the kindness show by the local community.

"I'm a single mum and I worked really hard to save the money for the car so it was terrible when it was stolen.

"He loved the car. He's 18 and all his mates have them so I was worried about him when it was gone. He couldn't drive to work anymore so he lost his job.

"It went on Facebook and the response was unbelievable. When you have complete strangers handing you £20 it's overwhelming - I was in tears.

"Aaron was blow away by it all - he couldn't get his head round it."

Ms Bayliss, of Oak Side, Colburn, said the North Yorkshire town had a bad reputation.

But she added: "I've lived here for 12 years and I love it - people are so kind.

"Saying thank you doesn't seem enough - if there's anything I can do for the people who helped us I would be there."

As well as Swale Auto Sales, Ms Bayliss said she would like to say a special thanks to Joan Raw, director at Beacon Garage, and customers Clare Baxter and Tom Rigby, who asked for the collection boxes to be installed.

* Toni Tighe Dempsey, 18, of no fixed address, appeared at Northallerton Magistrates' Court on Friday charged with aggravated vehicle taking, driving without a licence or insurance, and failing to stop for police.

She was committed to Teesside Crown Court to appear on September 4. Miss Dempsey was released on conditional bail.