A young footballer whose bike was allegedly stolen from Foundation Park is back in the saddle again after a member of the public read his story online and made an offer to replace it. 

Ben plays for Swindon Town's Community Foundation and the organisation reported that his bike was stolen at 2.21pm on March 1.

A 27-year-old man has since been arrested and charged with two counts of theft; one was for the alleged bike theft and the other was for allegedly stealing a sat-nav, £15 cash and Apple AirPods from a vehicle.

Connor Kirkley, of Station Road, pleaded not guilty to both charges at Swindon Magistrates' Court on March 3 and has been remanded on unconditional bail until August 8.

Ben's original bike has not been recovered.

Marcus Moore, from Oakley Tree Services, offered to pay for a replacement and Mitchell Cycles sold it at a reduced price.

 A STFC Community Foundation spokesman said: "We are extremely pleased to be able to help replace the bike that was recently stolen and allow our young player Ben to be back mobile again.

"Huge thanks to Marcus Moore from Oakley Tree Services who read about the incident online and has very kindly offered to pay for the replacement bike.

"Also thanks to our good friends at Mitchell Cylces who offered the bike at a reduced price. #WherePeopleMatter #ProudToBeSwindon."