On December 23 last year, the car I was driving was broken into in Carden Avenue, Patcham.

The thieves took my handbag, which contained £750, my pension book and two other pension books belonging to a 95-year-old gentleman.

Also in the bag were some very important personal items.

I had just borrowed £500 of the money that was stolen to pay for work being done on my own car.

When I explained to the mechanics at Dave 'n' Paul's, Freemans Road, Portslade, that I did not have the money to pay them for the work, they surprised me by saying not to worry.

I offered to pay in weekly instalments but they still would not accept this because of the distress I was in at the time.

Even though there are some wicked people out there, there are others who still have an exceptional view of life and are very generous and kind.

My gratitude to these special men will always remain. This garage needs the recognition it deserves.

-M Kidd, Hollingdean, Brighton