An eagle-eyed neighbour has returned vital college work to a mother-of-four who was set to fail her entire course.
Teresa Peters, from Rochester Way, Basildon, was distraught after thieves stole a rucksack from her car parked outside her house.
The material, which she has gathered from classes at the Basildon Adult Community College, was vital for her final result which was looming.
Delighted - Teresa Peters Picture: MAXINE CLARKE
The 34-year-old, who is surviving on benefits, aimed to better herself and hoped qualifications would help get her back into the work market.
Teresa said: "I'm ecstatic - I was ready to hug the man. He said he was walking by and saw the bag under a bush. He didn't want to be named, just pleased the bag was returned.
"It was the end of the world when the bag was stolen. It contained all my English, maths and computer work along with a load of floppy discs.
"I had assignments to hand in and it would have messed up two years' work."
In addition to her college work, the thieves had taken a large amount of Teresa's charity work information.
Teresa said: "I do a lot of administration for Look Essex, a visually impaired charity, and make leaflets and flyers on my computer for them. All the information was on the discs.
"I didn't realise until I got it all back how much was initially taken. It's such a relief."
Published Wednesday, February 5, 2003
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