A soldier who lost both his legs while serving in Afghanistan has thanked a Hainault-based charity for replacing several items which were stolen from his car while he was undergoing rehabilitation.

Double amputee, Private Mark Allen, was serving with 1 Royal Anglian in 2010 when he was badly injured by an improvised explosive device.

He has since undergone extensive rehabilitation and treatment, including skin grafts.

It was while he was in London during the course of his treatment that Mark was left devastated when his car was broken into and his PS3 games console, television and laptop – which had many photographs, including images from his childhood and his time in the Army - were stolen while he was at an event.

The Dream Factory patron and former ‘Allo ‘Allo actress, Vicki Michelle, who was also at the party, learned of the theft and decided to see if the charity in Fowler Road could help.

The 22-year-old was presented with brand new electrical equipment to replace what was taken at Mooro’s Restaurant, Abridge Road, Chigwell on Friday thanks to the charity.

Mark, who lives in Kings Lynn, Norfolk, said: “I’d like to thank everyone for what’s happened. It has been amazing. I’m very thankful.

“When I realised my stuff had been taken I was so shocked, and after three years of rehab and trying to get back to normal, I was lost without them.”

Avril Mills, who set up The Dream Factory to make dreams come true for children and young adults, said: “Mark has been through so much in such a short space of time that the charity is delighted to be able to help him rebuild his life.

“Mark is an inspiration to everyone. Despite what he has been through he has managed to rebuild his life with the support of his girlfriend Hayley, and still has a smile on his face.