A GREAT gran cried tears of joy when wellwishers replaced her stolen bench.

Dot Millar, from Winsford, was distraught when she discovered a thief had taken garden seat days after her 82nd birthday.

The retired Metal Box worker bought the bench so she could chat to relatives, friends and neighbours over the gate during the pandemic.

"She was absolutely devastated," said granddaughter Michelle Cowen, 35, who cares for her nan with sister Jenny McFee, 37.

"She panicked to think that someone had come through her gate. It ruined her birthday meal, she was low and in the dumps."

Dot turned to social media to vent her anger and was bowled over by the generosity of the community who showered her with gifts.

"She took to Facebook to have a bit of a rant, bless her," said Michelle. "She was overwhelmed by the response. She couldn't believe how many nice and kind people were out there in Winsford."

Funeral director Dave Fowles said: "When we heard someone had stolen Dot's garden seat we wanted to help. Dot would sit in her garden and chat to family and friends who couldn't come in to her house because of the current social distancing regulations.

"It was lovely to see the smile on her face when we turned up with a new bench."

Morrisons in Winsford treated her to a hamper packed with her favourite biscuits, sweets and a bouquet.

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Northwich Guardian:

Dot Millar, front left, with Dave Fowles and Jason Whelan, from Fowles Funeral Services, who replaced her stolen garden seat and Carla Seath, Morrisons community champion who showered her with gifts and flowers

Carla Seath, the store's community champion, said: "We found out she liked egg custards, tea and liquorice allsorts so we were happy to take her a gift. We love to get out and put a smile on someone's face."

Dot received flowers and gifts from people she didn't know across the town after they contacted her granddaughter.

Michelle said: "She cried when I told her, she was really emotional. It made up for all the disappointment and has restored her faith in the community."

Dot takes her dog Lily for a walk every day and loves to meet up with her friends.

"She is a chatterbox and likes to talk to people," said Michelle. "She got the bench so she could have tea through the summer.

"We look out for her and were very strict with her during lockdown and made sure she didn't have anyone in her house.

"She's always on the go and is very fit."