Freda McGregor's walking frame was stolen from outside her front door

A 102-year-old woman cruelly robbed of her independence by thieves who stole her walking frame has had it returned.

Freda McGregor's frame was snatched from outside her front door in West Street, Wrotham, just before Christmas.

Without it, she became housebound and appealed for its return.

Now a postman has discovered it in Kemsing Road, Wrotham, and returned it to the warden at her sheltered accommodation block.

PC Ben Foskett, from Kent Police, has examined it for forensic evidence and inquiries continue.

Mrs McGregor now has two walking frames after a mobility equipment company donated one earlier this week.

Daniel Ball, from First Choice Mobility and pictured left, stepped forward to provide a free frame after hearing about the "abhorrent" theft.

PC Foskett said: "I'd like to thank all those who offered to help, and thank the postman who returned the missing frame.

"It was a bit battered and the basket was missing, which is why the new one is so much better."

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to phone Kent Police on 101, quoting reference YY/024120/12, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.