A kind Bradford boss has stepped in to help a group of pensioners who had all their entertainment equipment stolen from their sheltered housing flat - even their dartboard.

It had taken the group of about 30 mostly 80 and 90-year-olds more than five years to save up for a television, video, karaoke machine and other equipment.

But burglars broke into their sheltered housing flat in Crag Road, Shipley, and made off with the lot - even taking a dartboard, tea and coffee and the contents of a swear jar meant for charity.

Today chief executive of Sovereign Health Care, David Lewis, who read about the burglary in the Telegraph & Argus, said he was appalled and had to help.

He commented: "It is outrageous. Elderly people are supposed to be looked after, not targeted by thieves. It took them five years to save up for this equipment. I was really appalled to read about it and thought immediately that I had to help."

He contacted Councillor Phil Thornton who had launched an appeal to raise funds so that the equipment, which was not insured, could be replaced - and decided to donate the total cost of the items, £400.

"It would have taken a long time for them to save up that much money again. It's just not on."

And youngsters at a Shipley primary school were so appalled to hear of the burglary they used funds to buy supplies of tea, coffee and sugar and took them round to the residents.

Gill Roberts, head teacher of High Crags Primary School, which is next to the sheltered housing flats, said she was very proud of the youngsters.

"I photocopied the Telegraph & Argus to show the children in assembly. They all agreed that what had happened was terrible and we discussed ways of helping,'' she said.

"The children have done a lot of fundraising and it was their idea to spend the money on tea, coffee and sugar. I am very impressed with them."

Coun Thornton (Lab, Shipley East) said: "When I heard about the burglary myself I was flabbergasted. But the response to the article in the T&A has restored my faith in humanity. I have been bowled over and am thrilled that Mr Lewis has agreed to help out. There have been lots of other offers of help and it is just good to know there are decent people out there too."

And the residents of Northcliffe View said they were delighted.

Marjorie Marks, pictured with the cheque from Mr Lewis, is a member of the committee which raised the funds initially. She said: "It is brilliant news. We are all really pleased and want to thank the T&A and Phil for their help.

''It is very kind of people to help in this way. We can't believe it really, it's so nice."