New pals ready to party (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

New pals ready to party

78818_20NEW drinking buddies John Kirkup and Russell Ward, right, are hitting it off.

Earlier this month we said John, a wheelchair user, considered boycotting the town centre after being targeted by drunken yobs.

Family man Russell, 36, of Park South, got in touch with the Advertiser and offered to show John the nice side of Swindon.

Both men are originally from Manchester and big United supporters.

"We've plenty to talk about John was a security guard for United," said Russell.

John, who lives alone in Rodbourne, turns 44 on Saturday.

And Russell plans to take his new pal out for a meal and beers to celebrate.

He said: "I want to show John that there is another side to Swindon.

"Work mates from Zurich will be joining us and it should be fun."

Russell and his family recently returned from a holiday in Skegness with a present for John.

"We got him a Kiss Me Quick hat so hopefully he'll have a good night," he said.