A MAN has stepped forward to help out an 82-year-old woman who was conned out of hundreds of pounds by rogue traders.

The Comet reported last week how Dolores O’Grady handed over £500 to two men claiming to be builders and who had offered to reseal her drive.

They never completed the promised works and also left her home in Manor Crescent, Hitchin, in a mess.

After reading the story in last week’s paper, Hitchin-based Mac Proothi has offered to complete the work the men failed to carry out, for free.

Mr Proothi, who owns driveway and patio cleaning company Mac and Sons, said: “My wife was reading the Comet, and she showed me the article. We both thought it was absolutely disgusting.

“I was really offended and upset someone could do that. My wife asked if there was anything I could do, and I thought this could be it.”

Mr Proothi will reseal the drive once the weather gets a little better, as it cannot be completed when it is wet.

He has already visited Mrs O’Grady to discuss what he can do.

“Those men gave the trade a bad name,” he added.

“I want to show not everyone is like that.”

Mrs O’Grady, who had a meeting with trading standards this week, thanked Mr Proothi for his gesture.

“It’s a very nice offer, and it shows that although there are bad people around here, there are some good people too,” she said.

“I want to say a public thank you.

“It has really cheered me up.”

Herts Trading Standards and national investigators Action Fraud are looking into the incident, after the incident was reported to police.

They have said they cannot comment at this particular stage.