Coin expert Stephen Clarke has offered to replace an 83-year-old man’s coin collection, stolen in a burglary, after reading an article in last week’s Gazette.

War veteran David Davies, fell victim to a burglary at his home in Rudloe on November 26 while he was out in Corsham and returned to find eight of his £5 commemorative coins gone.

The pensioner of Longclose Avenue was reduced to tears after the burglar ransacked his home tipping his belongings on the floor before taking his late wife’s purse which contained the coins.

Mr Clarke, 43, a father-of-three said: “It is bad enough something like this happening to anyone but what really annoyed and disgusted me was not only the fact that he is a war veteran, but also that he is a vulnerable 83-year-old man who lives alone.

“That’s the unjust part of it for me. So if I can help I will. I just happen to know about coins through going to auctions regularly, so I can replace them for him. They might not be worth much money but they are obviously valuable to him.”

The ex-marines serviceman had served his country during the Second World War and then spent 31 years of his life at Copenacre military base as a civilian head messenger and enjoyed collecting the coins as a hobby.

So he was thrilled when he heard of the offer and has arranged to meet the coin expert.

He said: “That is a very kind gesture. There are not very many people around who would do something like that. I was just so flabbergasted by his offer. I couldn’t believe something like this would happen to me after the burglary. For him to replace those coins I have lost for free is wonderful. It is very generous of him.”

The culprit broke into Mr Davies’ home by smashing a pane of glass in a door which leads to his back bedroom. The burglar had then broken the secure bolt and let himself into the flat before going through the pensioner’s belongings.

Nothing else is thought to have been stolen and the thief failed to find Mr Davies’ one remaining coin which was on display in his living room.

Anyone with information about the burglary should call the police on 0845 408 7000.