BARRY pensioners have been rescued from a long and miserable winter of gameless nights by three knights in shining armour. Well, nearly.

Members of the Brecon Court bingo club thought they'd never yell "house!" again after they were burgled last month.

But thanks to the generosity of three local businessmen, they are back in the swing of things.

John Lewis, his son Wayne and cousin Terry Blackmore of JLE Services took swift action, and bought a bingo machine for the club.

Beryl Ryan of Brecon Court told the News: "When the burglars broke in, they stole everything, even the tea bags. Cllr Rob Curtis gave us a set of cups and saucers. "He even supplied coffee, tea and a box of chocolate biscuits. We were so grateful." The thieves had thrown what they didn't steal around the room.

And even though the pensioners hadn't had a bingo machine before the break-in, they had numbers and used them for their twice-weekly sessions.

Beryl added: "We found a few of the numbers, it wasn't the same.

"When John said he'd like to buy us a new machine, we were overjoyed."

Beryl had heard of a second-hand bingo machine being sold.

She added: "A brand new one costs £300, but we got this one for £150."

John, Wayne and Terry pitched together and paid the full amount.

John said: "JLE Services have been in business in Barry for 14 years. Many of the older people put work our way.

"We thought this was a chance to say 'thanks' for all the support they have given us over the years, while helping them out."

The three heroes presented the bingo machine to Beryl at the Brecon Court bingo hall on Wednesday, January 23.

Beryl said: "We've never had an actual machine before. It's great, and we just can't thank them enough."