A war veteran who kept a permanent 'sentry duty' against burglars has been able to stand down thanks to a generous businessman.

As reported in the Telegraph & Argus last week, 79-year-old Jim Holcroft has spent weeks living in his front room after intruders ransacked his Buttershaw home for the second time.

The RAF veteran told how he sometimes caught a few hours sleep on his sofa and never closed his curtains in a bid to ward off would-be criminals.

The decorated serviceman, who served in North Africa, Malta and Italy, had said: "I cannot remember what it is like to sleep in a bed but I will not let this happen again."

But after learning of Mr Holcroft's plight, the owner of a Bradford security firm stepped in to fit a free alarm at his terraced council house.

Kevin Boardman, of Wibsey-based Boardman CCTV, said: "I read the story in the T&A and felt disgusted about what was happening to him.

"It is terrible that this man had served his country and then had to live like this because of the low-lives that preyed on him and his wife."

Mr Boardman, who regularly supplies alarms through Help the Aged and Social Services, said: "I just wanted to do what I could. Hopefully it will give Mr and Mrs Holcroft some peace of mind."

After hearing of the offer, Mr Holcroft said: "I just couldn't believe it. It is such a nice thing to do. It means that I will be able to sleep in my bed again and not have to worry when me and my wife go out of the house together."

He added: "It also goes to show that the majority of people are good and like to help others."