A TRAILER stolen from the River Bourne Community Farm has been returned, thanks to a story in the Journal.

The Humbar trailer, used for taking feed to the 12 cattle on the farm at Laverstock, disappeared after a break-in on December 2.

After the trailer was stolen volunteer helpers had to carry the feed to the animals themselves, and feared they would have to fund a replacement. The two-tonne trailers cost more than £2,000 new.

This week farm chairman Ben Parker had a surprise phone call. He said: “It was from a guy who told me he had bought it. He hadn’t paid very much for it, and wondered whether it might be a bit dodgy.

“Then after he saw the article in the paper he said he felt very guilty, and he told me where I could find it and fetch it back.”

The buyer, who did not want to be named, lives in West Dean. He told the Journal he bought the trailer from a man who was advertising it in a shop window in Winchester.

“It was £250. I thought ‘Bingo’! It seemed a bit cheap at £250, but I always look out for a bargain.

“I desperately needed a trailer to carry hay to my animals.

“But when I saw the Journal article about the stolen trailer I realised it was the same make, and when I checked with the farm it had the same serial number. They were very happy to get it back.

“I have lost out, but never mind, you can’t keep stolen goods.”

Mr Parker said: “I would like to say we are very grateful for his public-spirited attitude.”