DESPAIR turned to joy this week after the Citizen stepped in to help a 13-year-old Lancaster boy who's prize mountain bike was stolen by thieves. Louis Judson was left gutted after his mountain bike, which he won for coming first in a logo competition by Lancaster firm Plas-Tech, disappeared during the Bank Holiday weekend. But it was smiles all round when Plas-Tech handed over another new bike complete with an extra strong lock to stop thieves getting their hands on it again.

The 15-gear mountain bike was stolen from outside the Farmhouse Tavern, on Morecambe Road, on Monday evening while Louis and his family were enjoying a meal.

Distressed mum Catherine Johnstone, of Morecambe Road, turned to the Citizen for help.

Louis, who used the bike to get to school, said: "I was really upset when the bike was stolen but now I am really pleased and I am going to call my new bike Cookie. It's great to have a bike again."

Talented Louis, who has been offered a job by the comic Beano for his brilliant cartoons, was given the bike before Christmas after designing the winning bear logo for Plas Tech.

Plas-Tech's managing director Bob Tyers said "Louis has a great talent, and I am not going to let his hard work be ruined by thieves who should be ashamed of themselves."

Mum Catherine added: "I can't believe it, it's restored my faith in human nature."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.