A COUPLE who had their car stolen are back on the road, thanks to a policeman and a car dealer.

Colin Banks, 67, and his wife Jean thought nothing more could go wrong after he suffered two strokes, was diagnosed with diabetes and was confined to a wheelchair.

Then a thief stole the couple's car after stealing Jean's handbag, which contained the keys to their Nissan Almera.

Colin's wheelchair was folded up in the back of the car.

The couple, from Ormesby, Middlesbrough, went on a one-week holiday to the Canary Islands to escape their troubles.

However, they missed their return flight because, under Spanish law, Colin needed a doctor's certificate before being allowed to board a plane.

Detective Constable Peter Clifford, from Langbaurgh District Police Burglary Investigation Team, heard about the couple's nightmare and approached Martin Boagey, manager of Reg Vardy, in Cargo Fleet Lane.

The company has supplied the couple with a courtesy car until they can be reimbursed for their own vehicle.

Det Con Clifford said: "This lovely couple do not deserve the series of events which have befallen them.

"I know Jean has spent many hours walking the roads and streets of Ormesby looking for their car.

"I am delighted with the intervention and kindness shown by Reg Vardy and their manager, Mr Boagey, for his generosity in this particularly disturbing case.''

Anyone with information about last month's burglary can phone South Bank CID on (01642) 301933 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.