AN elderly couple's faith in humanity has been restored after a plea for help to cut down a hazardous tree was met with an overwhelming response.

Joan and Leonard Brown, of Steynor Close, Droitwich, appealed for a skilled tree surgeon's to chop down the 17ft tree, which is in their back garden.

In the autumn, leaves and berries fall from the tree, leaving the ground slippery. Mr Brown, who is in a wheelchair, has skidded and fallen three times.

But cries for help to local authorities, including the Spa Housing Association which owns the small bungalow where the Browns live, fell on deaf ears.

It was only after an article appeared in the Evening News' sister paper, the Droitwich Spa Advertiser, their two-year ordeal came to an end.

But Mrs Brown, while delighted with the response, described how it had pained her to ask for the public's help.

"I did not want it to happen this way," said the 62-year-old pensioner.

"Leonard and I do not like to be considered charity, but going to the Press was our last hope.

"Every authority we have turned to has either completely ignored us or told us they would like to help, but cannot.

"We are particularly annoyed with the Housing Association. If we had put the tree in, then we could understand them not helping, but it was already there.

"We are very proud, and it pained us to have to do this. However, having said that, I am so grateful to the people who have offered to help."

More than a dozen people phoned to offer their services, but it is APM Tree and Estate Services, of The Ryelea, on the Chawson Estate, which will do the work.

The firm's owner, Adam Matthews, was the first to respond to the plea.

"I saw the article in the paper and I phoned straight away," said Mr Matthews.

"I felt really sorry for them. I have been round to see Mr and Mrs Brown and I am doing the work next Wednesday morning."