14298/1GAZETTE & HERALD: Retired farmer Paul Candy has helped old friends in need after donating the use of his tractor to Calne Town Football Club.

Mr Candy, 55, from Quemerford Gate Farm, Cherhill, saw an article in the Gazette two weeks ago about vandals setting the club's vintage tractor on fire and offered the services of one of his vehicles.

Mr Candy had previously served the club as a goalkeeper and then centre forward for ten years.

Mr Candy, who is president of Cherhill Cricket Club, said: "Football club secretary Laurie Drake and I have known each other for years and I used to play for Calne.

"I said the tractor's there if you want it. I just wanted to help out."

Autoguide Equipment of Heddington has offered to donate tractor parts and tyres and members of the public have also offered help.

Richard Robinson, who owns Autoguide Equipment, was annoyed when he read the article.

"A club is trying to help young people and give them something else to do, and then vandals set fire to their tractor. That annoys me to death," he said.