73138-105HEARTLESS thieves stole a bike destined to be a schoolboy's 13th birthday present.

Callum Stirton was devastated when his present was stolen from the family's garage in Conisborough, Toothill, days before his birthday.

He was looking forward to riding his bike to school and to joining his friends on rides around the neighbourhood.

But the theft last Saturday, has meant that he will be empty handed on his birthday on Sunday, November 7.

His mother Amanda Last, 35, said: "It was going to be Callum's first proper bike really.

"His older brother Jamie who is 14 has got one and he's been messing around on that but he did really want his own.

"He was going to use it to ride to school after half term and he wanted to use it so that he could ride around with his friends.

"It was the same model as his older brothers which he wanted.

"We were keeping it in the garage which was closed when the bike was stolen.

"I have absolutely no idea how they got away with it because the garage door makes a big noise when it is opened.

"Callum was gutted, absolutely gutted."

Artist Amanda, 35, and her partner Tony Stirton, 53, are offering a small reward to anybody who has information about the bike and have put posters up in the area asking for help.

"Because it was paid for by credit card we can probably claim back the insurance but that's not the point," she said.

"We might not be able to get the same model of bike again because there was only one in stock at the shop where we bought it.

"Whoever did it obviously doesn't give a damn about anybody else and doesn't have any consideration for anybody else's feelings.

"If the bike just happened to appear back at the house then no questions would be asked.

"Also if anybody is offered the bike at a knockdown price in the run up to Christmas then I'd be really grateful if they got in touch."

Callum said: "I feel that if they've stolen my bike they must be really cruel people.

"I really wanted it for going to school and for going out with my friends.

"We've been looking for it around my street and in the streets nearby.

"If I could say anything to them I would say give it back."

Anyone with information about the bike should contact the Swindon Police on 01793 528111.

Amanda can be contacted on 01793 346 752.

Diana Milne