A GRANDAD who had his rare camper van trailer stolen has been given a new one, thanks to the BEN and a kindhearted reader.

Robert Grant, aged 79, his wife, Mary, and his six young grandsons were left heartbroken after the 40-year-old Norwegian folding Chateaux camping trailer was taken from outside his home on Bury New Road, Breightmet.

The grey camper van, with white mud guards, is very rare in England and is known as the Rolls Royce of camper vans. It had been customised by Mr Grant and had a number of distinctive individual features. It was fully equipped with beds, cooking facilities and a gas bottle.

Mr Grant, a member of the Citroen 2CV Car Club, often took the camper van to meetings with at least two of his grandsons, who are all under 12. Towed by his Citroen 2CV, they camped overnight or sometimes for a whole week.

After reading about the theft in the BEN, a generous reader, who wishes to remain anonymous, donated his 20-year-old Dandy camper van to Mr Grant and his family.

Mr Grant said: "The camper van is in beautiful order, the owner has really looked after it. The family were very kind and showed me how to put the van up.

"I am overwhelmed at the kindness these people have shown and it has restored my faith in human nature."

Mr Grant said his grandsons had all been to see the camper van and were very excited about using it.

The anonymous donor said his children had grown up and they no longer got a lot of use out of the van. He said: "I would rather this gentleman and his grandchildren get some enjoyment from it."