The mother of a disabled man said her faith in human nature had been restored after a collection of stolen CDs was returned by a neighbour.

Kathy Hemestretch, of Elm Drive, Hove, was distraught when more than 75 CDs were taken from a specially adapted van used to transport her son Kieran, 21, who has a rare genetic brain disorder.

She said Kieran was blind, quadriplegic and unable to communicate apart from smiles and groans. But he can hear so music was one of the few joys in his life.

After reading the story in yesterday's Argus, Roland Hunt, who lives round the corner in Acacia Avenue, found at least three quarters of the CDs dumped behind a plant screen at the bottom of his garden.

He took them round to the Hemestretch family who were overjoyed.

Kathy said: "He even dried the cases out because they were wet and cleaned the mud off. I just can't believe it. He was so kind."

Roland, 74, said: "I was just reading the paper with my morning coffee when I saw the story.

"The CDs were pushed up behind the wall and had probably been there for several days.

"Our garden is next to a public footpath and we sometimes get bags dumped there.

"I find the business very upsetting.

Who could have done such a thing?"

The Argus was inundated with offers from Brighton and Hove businesses to donate replacement CDs or give the family the money to buy new ones.

Kathy said: "I just want to thank The Argus and all the people who have been so lovely.

"It is just wonderful. My faith in human nature has been restored."

The van, which was obviously adapted to carry a wheelchair with a ramp and straps to hold it in place, was broken into some time on Friday, December 15, or Saturday, December 16. The thieves took £700 worth of CDs, including soul, rhythm and blues and reggae music.

They also stole a fire extinguisher from the van, which was parked in a disabled bay outside the family home.

Kieran's disorder was diagnosed in 1995 when he was a bright and healthy ten-year-old. Within seven months his condition had deteriorated dramatically and he lost speech, movement and sight.

He also has epilepsy.