A MYSTERY man has donated £100 to an elderly distraction burglary victim.

Thieves forced their way into Trevor Fry's Rodbourne home two weeks ago and ran off with a jar full of coins.

When the man, who wants to remain anonymous, read the story he asked the Advertiser to hand over £100 to make up for his loss.

And now Mr Fry, a former railway worker, and his 39-year-old son, David, who works in security, say that their faith in human nature has been restored.

The two thieves called at Mr Fry's Cornwall Avenue home just before 3pm on Tuesday, May 2.

One man pretended to be from the water board and when Mr Fry asked for ID he barged his way in.

He stole a jar of coins that Mr Fry had been saving which contained about £80 to £90.

Mr Fry's 77-year-old wife Muriel, who has Parkinson's disease, was in hospital when the burglars struck.

Since the theft Mr Fry says that he hasn't been worried about being at home but says he could kick himself for letting the thief past the door.

But the pensioner says he is delighted that someone wanted to replace the money that was stolen.

"I was so surprised when I was told about the money," he said.

"I'm absolutely gobsmacked. It's hard to believe that someone wanted to give up their own money and give it to me."

He added: "I would love to know who wanted to give me this money but I suppose if they wanted to remain anonymous then it will just remain a mystery to me."

But Mr Fry says he can assure whoever it was that the money would be put to good use.

"We need a new carpet so maybe we can use the money for that," he said.

"At 83 there's nothing really very exciting that you can spend your money on."

Mr Fry's son, David, of Ferndale, arrived at his parents' house minutes after the thieves left and says he wishes he had got there earlier to stop them.

But he is also thrilled by the generous donation.

"What a great thing to happen," he said. "It was totally unexpected.

"You just don't expect someone who knows us or who may have come in contact with us at some point would do something as kind as this."

He added: "We thought it must be someone connected to the case but maybe we are wrong."

Since the theft the police have fitted a chain and spy-hole to Mr Fry's front door.

Police have re-launched their appeal for information on the burglary.

Their advice is never let anyone into your home or give them any information about yourself and always ask unknown callers for proof of identity and check it carefully.

Anyone with information should call PC Steve Hicketts at Swindon police on 0845 408 7000.