COMMUNITY spirit triumphed this week as a stolen bike, set to raise £6,500 for charity this year, was returned to its owner just weeks before his first fundraising mission.

Steve Smith, aged 28, was due to be taking part in a three-week trek to Mount Everest Base Camp to raise £1,500 for the Make-A Wish Foundation, however his strict training schedule was interrupted when thieves stole his bike from a locked bicycle shed.

Although he would not be using the bike for the trek, Mr Smith had taken to training on two wheels to improve his cardiovascular fitness.

The bike was then ...