A MINI Postman Pat van regularly seen on the streets of Heckmondwike is now helping to raise vital funds for cancer charities.

Its driver Alton Tyrell has turned a mobility scooter into the compact replica of a Royal Mail van.

The 40-year-old came up with the idea after stumbling upon an old Postman Pat coin machine on eBay while looking for a scooter for his father-in-law, Terry Kirton, earlier this year.

After restoring the van during lockdown, Alton began driving it around town – much to onlookers' delight.

Sadly, Terry was diagnosed with cancer and passed away aged 76 in July, so Alton has now decided to put his handiwork to good use by asking those who see the van to donate to Yorkshire Cancer Research or Marie Curie.

He said: “I thought the ‘Pat van’ idea would be fun and keep me busy throughout the lockdown. My first trip out was to the local McDonald’s drive-thru. The response on social media was amazing. Everyone said how it made them smile in these sad times.

“After Terry died, I decided to appeal to the community to make a small donation to charity if they spot the van. Last month I also lost a good friend Nicholas Mark Holroyd to cancer at the age of just 36, so these cancer charities are close to my heart.

“They do amazing work and I hope my little Pat van will not only put a smile on people’s faces but also help give something back to these great causes.”

To make a donation, please visit justgiving.com/fundraising/postmanpatvanheckyfat1.