Firefighters today told how they rebuilt a disabled boy's bike after it was almost destroyed by arsonists.

The Evening Echo reported last week Jack Punter's quad bike caught fire after the family's garden garage in St Christophers Close, Canvey, was torched.

Soon to smile again - a glum Derek and Jack Punter after the torching of Jack's bike, which has now been rebuilt by firefighters Picture: ROB BROWNE

The bike was a Christmas present for Jack, 13, who has had severe arthritis since the age of four. It provided him with a means of transport so when his dad Derek went out walking he could join him.

The bike seemed damaged beyond repair until firefighters intervened.

Leading firefighter Mike Jones said: "The plastic parts melted away and it was certainly unusable and it hadn't been insured.

"Jack and his dad were heartbroken.

"Me and the other lads on blue watch decided to take it away and try to rebuild it."

Father and son will pick up the bike at Long Road fire station tomorrow.

Derek, 41, couldn't hide his happiness. He said: "Jack and I were a bit down after what the arsonists did but these firefighters have restored our faith in human nature."

Published Friday, January 17, 2003

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