A GRANDMOTHER who was devastated when the car she needs for her seriously-ill husband was stolen is thrilled after having it back.

Dorothy Minton, aged 70, was re-united with her 12-year-old Vauxhall Nova after police found it in Richmond Hill, near Worcester city centre.

Mrs Minton, whose 78-year-old husband Jack has multiple sclerosis, said the vehicle was a lifeline to help her cope with the demands of looking after him.

The car was taken from Clare Street car park, off City Walls Road, while Mrs Minton was in the city centre collecting her pension on Monday, September 4.

It was found a couple of days later, but in the meantime the Mintons had to rely on the kindness of neighbours and friends to help them pick up vital prescriptions.

Mrs Minton, of Eastnor Close, Battenhall, said she was "devastated" at the time of the theft and could not believe that someone could stoop so low.

"I thought I'd never see it again," she said. "They caused about £500 damage and I'm not pleased at having to pay the excess on my insurance, but at least I've got it back."

The fuel crisis meant that, after repairs had been carried out at Brooklyn Ford in Malvern Link, the garage had enough fuel only to get her home to Worcester.

"It's a bit of a pity and it means I'm stuck here until the petrol stations are working again, but that is a small price to pay," she said.

Worcester Police spokeswoman Fiona Harrison said a vigilant member of the public had helped trace the car.

"Car crime is a problem. However, we're fortunate in Worcester that car crime figures are well below the national average," she said.

"Fortunately, in this incident police were able to recover the vehicle shortly after it had been stolen."

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