A Strathdon model enthusiast has been overwhelmed by the community’s response after thieves stole the lamps from one of his beloved engines.
Tony King displayed his two miniature steam traction engines at the annual Glenbuchat spring fair last month.
But before the show had even properly started, thieves made off with the lamps from his agricultural engine – which was making its public debut.
Now his neighbours have clubbed together to collect enough for him to replace the £200 lamps, which he recently discovered were not covered in his insurance.
Mr King, who spent years lovingly putting together and putting the model engines, said he was touched by the community’s reaction after hearing about the theft, and reading about it in the Press and Journal.
Mr King, who has lived in Glenbuchat for 15 years, said: “The day after the story appeared in the P&J, a lady from Alford phoned me as it had jogged her memory. Her husband died three years ago, but she remembered he had some lamps in the garage for 50 years and said I would be welcome to them.
“I went to see her, but the lamps were far too valuable for me to even consider taking them, but it was such a lovely thought.”
And when a neighbour popped round earlier this week, Mr King got another pleasant surprise.
“As he left, he dropped an envelope and told me to open it when he left,” Mr King said. “Inside was a little note from the residents, with £200.
“It really means so much. I’m a little bit embarrased. People around here have been absolutely wonderful, they were shocked about what happened and for them to club together like this is just so lovely. It’s a wonderful community here, and I would like to thank everybody.”