Two weeks after being viciously mugged in his allotment pensioner Harry Mitchell is back tending his vegetables ? in fact he hardly went away.

The 71-year-old was back in his element among the towering plants and creative irrigation schemes within two days.

He lost $500 when a mugger upended him and rooted through his pockets before fleeing. But when paid a visit Mr. Mitchell showed more concern about this reporter?s inability to grow broccoli and tomatoes.

Amid the flurry of gardening advice built up over many years tending the soil at his sanctuary on the Burnt House Hill/Middle Road junction, Mr. Mitchell was asked whether he still worried about what had happened.

?Why? I have only one fellow I am fearful of ? the Almighty ? and I am not sure what he has in store for me.?

Which is not that he?s prepared to forgive his attacker. ?I went looking for him ? all over at different hang outs like Rangers.?

He failed to find him and so have Police. But neighbours and wellwishers who constantly shouted and tooted greetings at him last night clearly still have him in their hearts.

Neighbour Lisa Outerbridge has started a collection for him at White?s supermarket to help replace the money ? some of which he was holding for others. Mrs. Outerbridge said: ?He?s such a nice guy, we just wanted to help.?