A MECHANIC was presented with a Ford Fiesta as his retirement present - only to see it trashed by a scrap metal dealer's truck.

Colin Stevens, 65, was given the brand new £8,000 Fiesta by boss Ron Saunders as recognition of his 25 years with Pottery Services in Ringwood Road, Poole.

He left it parked outside the garage, only to watch its destruction by a visiting truck belonging to Charles Trent scrap metal dealers.

Colin, of Christopher Crescent in Poole, described the accident: "The stabiliser arm must have come loose at the back of the truck as it drove past and damaged four cars which were parked on the road. The van completely wrote off three vehicles, including one of our customer's, and almost wrote mine off."

Colin said since the incident he had not heard from anyone at the garage or received an apology. His car is being repaired but he added: "It was supposed to be a new car but it is going to be worth a lot less after the repairs."

Andy Saunders, of the family-run garage and whose own car was damaged in the incident, said: "We use Charles Trent all the time and it was just an unfortunate thing, which we were able to laugh about. I think they've dealt with it through their insurance."

Charles Trent were not available for comment.