Customers at Sainsbury’s in Deal, who donated money to "trolley man" Shaun Turnbull after his vicious attack, have been praised for their big hearts.

The total of £1,909.51 has been handed to a delighted Mr Turnbull and he has written a thank you letter to the Mercury. (See the March 8 edition).

Store manager Glenn Adams said: "I couldn’t believe it when donations started coming in. It was amazing.

"I have worked for Sainsbury’s for 25 years and have never seen anything like it - the cash and good wishes are a credit to the community. There is still some big hearts out there.

"It was overwhelming for Shaun too and the biggest message that came across since the attack is that good does outweigh the bad."

Mr Turnbull was attacked on his way home from work when two people stopped him and demanded money, which he was not carrying. One of the thugs smashed him across the head with a metal bar and he was taken to hospital for treatment.

Images of his battered face horrified Mercury readers and get well cards, flowers, best wishes and donations were soon arriving at Sainsbury’s, where he has worked as a customer services employee for 15 years.

A Facebook page was set up for Mr Turnbull, who has a mild learning disability, and he told the Mercury in February: "I want to get the two men caught before they do the same thing again. They should be behind bars."

The "trolley man" has now returned to work on a part time basis and hopes to be back full time soon.

Mr Turnbull’s sister Debby Brown said: "He is doing okay. His £1,909.51 has gone into the bank and will pay for things he would normally have to save up for, like holidays and little luxuries."