An Evri driver says he was “shocked” and “touched” after his customers rallied together to raise more than £3,000 to get him a new van after his was stolen.

Over the last seven years, Paul McCarthy has become a familiar face for residents in Istead Rise, near Gravesend, after picking up a side hustle delivering parcels to the estate.

But the courier feared he might have to pack it in after his Ford Fiesta van was stolen from outside his house in Bexleyheath two weeks ago.

He told KentOnline: “I thought it was my age at first but I knew where I had parked it and realised it had been stolen.

“I said to my wife: ‘Someone has stolen the smallest van in the world’. It is small, it is only good for my little parcels.”

The 56-year-old’s insurance firm was unable to provide him with a courtesy vehicle and told him it could take at least six weeks to resolve the matter and for him to receive a pay-out.

Not wanting to give up his delivery route and let down his customers, especially in the run-up to Christmas, Paul decided to rent a van for £350 a week - more than what he earns from Evri.

After hearing what happened, residents Sylvie Mann and Tammy Roulston decided to start a fundraising page to help Paul cover the costs.

Sylvie, 75, said: “Paul would not have said anything if we had not asked where his van was, he is that kind of bloke.

“He told me the story and I just felt for him. He will get some money from his insurance but it will not be enough to cover his costs.

“I really wanted to do something to help so I put it on Facebook and straight away the response was amazing.

“Tammy set up the fundraising page and the money just kept going up and up and up. Within less than 24 hours it had well exceeded what we thought.

“The comments people were putting on were fantastic. Anyone will tell you, he is the most reliable and professional, nothing is too much.”

Tammy added: “Paul is always cheerful and friendly and always stops to ask how you are doing.

“He has become more like a friend over the years, everyone knows Paul and certainly notices when he is not on his rounds.”

More than £3,000 was raised for Paul, who delivers to the village seven days a week, to help cover the rental costs, pay off the remaining debts on the stolen van and put down a deposit for a new vehicle.

Responding to the community’s generosity, he said: “I was shocked, emotional and amazed. I have got the people in Istead Rise to thank.

“They did not want to lose me as their courier and they have joked that I cannot leave them now.

“It is an amazing, nice community. I enjoy the round and getting to know all the people I deliver to.

“You hear stories about bad couriers and deliverymen so Istead Rise must think a lot of me to do this for me.

“I am just touched, it means a lot to me.”

Paul started working for Evri as he wanted something to do after recuperating from night shifts at Asda’s distribution centre in Erith and said it is like his hobby.

“I love this round, I love the area and I get on with all the people here,” he added. “I really appreciate what the people of Istead Rise have done for me.

“The community spirit here is unbelievable. It is a nice area to deliver to and I would not change it for the world.

“Now, I have to pay them back by being their courier for the next 20 years.”

Paul, who has lived in Bexleyheath for around 20 years, has reported his van stolen to the police.