KINDHEARTED customers have clubbed together to help replace a BEN paper boy's bicycle, which was stolen as he started his round.

The thieves snatched Adam Boardman's bike as he nipped into the newsagent's to pick up his loaded bag.

Ironically, it was a year to the day that Adam, aged 14, had a previous bike stolen from the same spot.

Adam, who works for Mr Vijay Joshi, of Kearsley News, on Manchester Road, Kearsley, suffered at the hands of the thieves both times on his mother's birthday.

Mr Joshi decided to start a collection in his shop to replace Adam's bike.

It raised almost £80 in just 10 days. Mr Joshi said: "Even the people who do not get their papers delivered contributed.

"Customers showed a keen interest in what had happened and wanted to do something to help.

"I was very pleased not only with their response, but also that other paper boys have taken notice and are now making sure that their bicycles are chained up at all times.

"We have raised money for Adam, but, just as importantly, awareness of the problem of thieves."

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