KIND-HEARTED Gazette readers are clubbing together to buyanew bike for a local man who had his stolen.

Readers have set up an online donation page after being touched by the story the Gazette published last week, where we told how Louis Ryan, 22, of Heath Road, Orsett Heath, who suffers from learning difficulties, had his new bicycle stolen from outside his grandmother’ s house .

Readers took to our Facebook page to condemn the actions of the thief, who was caught on CCTV, and pledged to chip in and get Louis riding again.

Funds raised will also go towards the Treetops Youth Club, where Louis helps out twice a week teaching youngsters how to play football.

At the time of going to print, the fund had raised £110. The Gazette has also been inundated with calls from kind residents offering their bike to Louis .

His mum, Lindsey Ryan, 49 said: “We didn’t think this would be the response.

“This has happened so many times to Louis and it’sareal shame that people want to steal his bike.

“For people wanting to come forward and help like this is really amazing. It’s over whelming.”

To donate to the cause, go to crowdfunding.justgiving.com/robin-atkins

A spokesman for the police said: “Police are investigating the theft of a bike from outside a property in Heath Road, Grays. A bike was stolen at around 6pm on Monday, October 12.

”Anyone with information is being asked to contact police in Grays on 101."