Schoolboy Richard Harle has been reunited with his bike which was stolen two weeks ago.

Richard, of Rectory Road, Hawkwell, had his bike snatched from a field behind his home on August 2.

The nine-year-old thought he would have to spend the long summer holiday stranded in his village, facing a long walk even to get to the local shops.

But the family spotted the distinctive bike, which is blue with white forks, being ridden in the area.

Richard's dad, Andrew, said: "It was sheer luck that we saw it. My daughter shouted out that she had seen Andrew's bike.

"We jumped out of the car, and realised it was his straight away when we saw the gear changer which was broken at the top."

The person riding the bike claimed he had bought it recently - and was unaware it was stolen, added Andrew. Having been convinced the bike was Andrew's, he willingly handed it back.

He said: "We reclaimed it, and now Richard can spend his summer holidays riding around Hawkwell as he had hoped to do in the first place."

Reunited - Richard and his beloved bike

Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

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