BIG-HEARTED Wellington townsfolk have rallied round to replace paperboy Sam Vernon's bike after his own machine was stolen.

A callous thief took teenager Sam's bike from outside Teare's Newsagents in South Street.

After reading an item in the WWN on July 29, offers of replacement bikes and even cash poured in.

Sam, 14, of Lillebonne Close in the town the WWN: "I was gobsmacked.

"I didn't expect that to happen.

"Now I've had my faith in human nature restored.

"People have been very generous. I'm very grateful."

See this week's WWN for the full story