A group of Hatfield veterans pulled their wallets and purses out in aid of a young Army cadet who was left distraught after his bike was stolen.

Yusabion, 13, had attended his usual Army cadets session in Hatfield and afterwards rode his bike to Asda to pop in to get a drink without locking his bike up which was then stolen.

Hatfield Poppy Appeal organiser and veteran Elaine Forman read the boy’s story on the Welwyn Hatfield Times website, and after discovering the youngster was an Army cadet, took it upon herself to raise awareness at the monthly veteran breakfast club.

Elaine, of Hatfield, said: “I told the veterans about the story and how the young boy was an army cadet and they were so generous with their donations to get him a new bike.”

Mum Avionne Jones, of Malvern Close, said: “Please know me and my son are both bowled over by the generous act and appreciate it dearly. All I hoped to achieve was for the person to be caught. To know that you all cared enough to do this means the world.”