OFFERS of help have been flooding in for a frail widower whose Morris Minor was stolen.

The Guardian reported on the plight of 81-year-old Dennis Browne last week after his prized 1967 Morris Traveller was taken from outside a friend’s house on Chigwell Road, leaving him housebound.

Mr Browne, who suffers from emphysema, bought the vehicle with his wife 26 years ago and says money alone cannot replace the memories which the treasured vehicle holds for him.

One elderly reader was so moved by Mr Browne’s plight that she offered to give him her car.

The elderly lady, who has asked to remain anonymous, met with Mr Brown last weekend.

Sadly, Mr Browne was unable to accept her offer because he is not confident driving an automatic and feared the running costs of the Metro would be too high.

Mr Browne says he has heard nothing about the whereabouts of his beloved car, but was amazed to hear that the hunt for the vehicle has gone ‘viral’.

Redbridge Councillor Paul Canal has started an online campaign to find the car, setting up a Facebook group to help find the vehicle.

He said: "This despicable crime has left a frail pensioner housebound.

“Twitter and Facebook have helped recover stolen cars across the word.

“ I urge people to put the power of social media to a positive use and get the message out there on Facebook, Twitter and other platforms.

"We want stolen Morris Minor OLD 913E back!"

Word has also gone out to Morris Minor enthusiasts, with an appeal for information on the car’s whereabouts posted on the official Morris Minor Owners Club website.

The club has almost 10,000 online members who are now keeping an eye out for anyone who might offer the car for sale.

Mr Browne said of the response: “I’m amazed at how kind people have been.

“I’m still hoping my car turns up. It would mean the world to me to get it back again.”

Click here to join the Facebook campaign to find the missing Morris Traveller

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