A pensioner who was swindled out of £8,500 of his savings for a botched driveway has vowed that he will never trust anyone again.

John Price, from Allhallows, was one of 19 elderly victims across the county who was targeted by a conman who has now been jailed for more than three years.

Arif Choudry, 54, from Tonbridge, who had pocketed nearly £30,000, pleaded guilty to a string of offences of fraud by false representation and one offence of money laundering.

After three years of fighting for justice having ploughed his hard-earned cash into the building project, it has left the grandfather "very angry".

Mr Price, 76, and wife Ann, 66, decided to carry out improvements at their home in Avery Way where they have lived for 10 years.

Mr Price, a retired production manager, heard a radio advert for the company, then trading as A Drive for Life, and got in contact.

A marketing man showed the couple promotion videos and gave a quote, offering a discount of £2,000 if he placed an advertising board outside.

Mr Price said: “He was a superb salesman and very reassuring.

"I’d seen another driveway done by them in the village and thought it looked good.”

He handed over £170 cash as a holding fee and confirmed he would pay £2,000 after the first day, if satisfied.

Mr Price did not hear from the firm registered at Kings Hill, near West Malling, for several months and had to call them to find out what was going on.

"I'd seen another driveway done by them in the village and thought it looked good" - John Price

Staff blamed inclement weather and a heavy workload for the delay.

When they did arrive to carry out the three-day work, he grew suspicious when their trucks and lorries were unmarked.

He added: “On the second day they asked if I would take my wife out for the day because the concrete mixer was computer-operated and relied on the atmosphere to get the mix right.

“I was told the driver needed to concentrate.

“I know we live in a high-tech world but I knew that was rubbish and refused.”

The three-man team left after three days, leaving some of the work incomplete.

Eight weeks later a crack appeared followed by four more hairline breaks in the concrete - despite being given a 10 year guarantee.

After trying in vain to track down anyone from A Drive for Life and contacting various consumer watchdogs, Mr Price’s case was taken up by KCC’s Trading Standards Service.

The department was already dealing with numerous complaints relating to the company including victims in Chatham and Rainham.

Mr Price said: “I have always been taught to trust people, but not any more.

"That was our savings which could have gone to my children and grandchildren.”