TWO young brothers will be rocking around the Christmas tree after a News Shopper reader offered to play Santa.

Last week, stereos, bought as Ashley and Daniel Bishop's main Christmas presents, were stolen from the car boot during a shopping trip.

Now, a former Bexley mayor has come forward to make sure they have a happy holiday after all.

Days after the Bishops learned they could not claim on their insurance for the two hi-fis, Councillor Chris Ball delved into his old mayor's fund to replace them.

Mum Karyn, 32, was "stunned" when we broke the news to her, saying: "We're just overwhelmed that anyone could be so generous. We are so grateful.

"It really restores your faith in human nature, especially after what happened."

Mrs Bishop, of Tyrrell Avenue, Welling, wrote to us after thieves took the stereos which they had saved all year to buy.

She added: "I didn't expect anything like this to happen. I only wanted to warn other people to be on their guard and not leave presents in their cars."

The boys, Ashley, 11, and Daniel, seven, were "over the moon" and said they were looking forward to playing their favourite Steps albums.

Three years ago, when Cllr Ball was mayor, he bought an eight-year-old Belvedere girl a new bike in similar circumstances.

Explaining why he decided to use money collected from charity appeals, he said: "The fund was always aimed at helping children, especially those whose parents have to work hard to buy their presents."

December 19, 2001 16:30