OLD soldier George Woodrow has had his car written off – because of “stupid” vandals.

They blocked up the exhaust pipe on his old-style Vauxhall Corsa with foam, causing the engine to overheat.

And now the 82-year-old Korean veteran – who is battling cancer – has been forced to scrap the car, costing him £2,000.

It means he is virtually confined to his Lockwood home, as he has trouble walking.

Mr Woodrow is having treatment at St James’s Hospital, Leeds, for cancer in his lungs and prostate.

He has been left “sickened” by the attack, which happened on the driveway of his home in Moorend Road, Lockwood.

“Why anyone should do such a thing is beyond me. It’s just so stupid,” said widower Mr Woodrow.

“I had no idea anything was wrong with the car when I got into it to drive up to the shops in Crosland Moor.

“It seemed very sluggish when I put my foot down on the accelerator and then I noticed that the temperature gauge had shot up.

“I managed to get it to the garage in Blackmoorfoot Road where I go for repairs but they said the engine was virtually wrecked.

“Some sort of foam had been used to block up the exhaust pipe. They said it wasn’t worth my while trying to have it fixed so I have had to scrap it.

“I relied on that car for so much, as I get out of breath very quickly when I try to walk anywhere.

“I don’t know why anyone would pick on me. I get on well with all my neighbours and I tend to keep myself to myself. I’m sickened.

“I have seen gangs of youths wandering around in an evening but I haven’t had any other problems.”

Mr Woodrow spent seven years in the Army and served with distinction with the Kings Regiment in Korea, where he was honoured.

He returned to Huddersfield and worked for many years as an engineer, first at David Brown Gears and later at the former Holset factory. He has been a widower for 15 years.

A car expert said: “Blocking up an exhaust pipe can cause all sorts of problems.

“It stops the gases leaving the car and they fire back into the engine. That can mean the car runs sluggishly or, at worst, it can cause the whole system to overheat which is really serious.”

West Yorkshire Police are investigating the vandalism and have urged anyone with any information to contact them on 0845 6060606.