AFTER 16-year-old paperboy Ben Higby’s bike was stolen from Cades Farm, his employers Trish and Lorraine Lettley of E J Teare Newsagents in Wellington were determined to raise money to help him replace it.

Trish said yesterday: “Ben is one of our longest serving boys. He works seven days a week and is very reliable. It’s such a shame that something he has worked so hard can just disappear.”

They contacted several newspapers, put a collection box in the shop and started an online fundraising campaign, and have since raised enough money to replace the original bike.

Trish and Lorraine would like to thank the Wellington Weekly News, the i newspaper and the National Federation of Retail Newsagents for their generous donations, along with all their customers and friends who gave money.

Trish added: “Ben and his family were over the moon to receive the money and Ben was delighted when his new bike arrived last week. He, too, is very grateful to everyone that donated.”