CARING coppers brought a sorely needed touch of seasonal goodwill to an isolated pensioner.

Bobbies John Cave and Neil McQueen were shocked at the squalid conditions they found frail 72 year-old Geoff Browning living in.

They had been called to his Stretford home days before Christmas after a thief posing as a water board official had tricked his way in and made off with £100 cash.

Geoff's living room was piled high with rubbish, debris and bags of old newspapers.

He can't get upstairs because he is unsteady on his legs and so slept in a chair which had partly collapsed.

His grimy kitchen was covered in food cans and its old cooker didn't work.

It seemed that Geoff - who has no family except for an elderly cousin he has not seen for many years - had not ventured upstairs for years, though, as that was spotless.

Big-hearted bobbies John and Neil swung into action to improve Geoff's conditions for Christmas and the New Year - and businesses rallied around to back their efforts.

Trafford Park firm Lavelle Waste Services donated a skip and John and Neil cleared the house of rubbish, as well as carrying his bed downstairs so he would no longer have to sleep in a chair.

They got a new carpet from Carpetright in White City Retail Park, while Knights Upholstery in Urmston provided an armchair.

The Imperial Cancer Research charity shop in Urmston pitched in by providing clothes, curtains and bedding.

John alerted social services about the plight of the pensioner, after finding him collapsed on the floor when he returned to his home. Social services provided him with a special chair, zimmer frame, installed support handles on the wall, and arranged for a daily home help, who cooks a meal for him.

The police have also installed security locks and a fridge, cooker, courtesy of the Appliance Centre in Flixton, and a washing machine, donated by John M Harris Domestic Appliances in Flixton, will soon be installed.

John says: "Over the years Geoff had got himself into a terrible state through no fault of his own, due to his ill health.

"We were determined to do something to help him. He is a very pleasant and nice man, although he is very proud and was reluctant to accept help.

"But now we have been able to help him he has really perked up. When I saw him on New Year's Day he was very perky and thanked us for all we have done.

"I would like to thank everyone who has helped him. Geoff has had a good Christmas and New Year - and we have made a real difference to this very nice gentleman's life."

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