Retail giant Halfords has replaced a care home worker's bicycle for free after it was stolen while he was at work.

Alex Vyse, 21, was heartbroken after discovering his electric bike, which he uses to commute to Rowan Court Care Home in Newcastle-under-Lyme, had been pinched.

He'd left it in the smoking shelter while he was working on April 16, with the theft taking place within a brief 20-minute window.

As a result he was left relying on lifts from colleagues - labelling the thieves "scum".

Festival Park store assistant manager Toby Greensides with Alex Vyse

He told StokeonTrentLive at the time: "It's terrible because I rely on my bike to get to work.

"Luckily I managed to get a lift home from one of the care staff otherwise I would have had to walk home and it takes an hour and a half."

However, the kitchen staff member, from Madeley, has now been gifted a new Carrera Vengeance E Mens Electric Bike after Halfords bosses spotted his story in the local press.

Festival Park store manager Mark Barrow said: "It was great that all of us at Halfords could help replace Alex’s bike after such horrible news of his old one being stolen.

"With him playing such a key role in supporting the Rowan Court Care Home, we were more than happy to help get him back on his bike and start cycling again."

Alex said it's reminded him that there are "good people out there".

He said: "I feel really grateful as I am able to get to work a lot easier again.

"I was surprised when Halfords got in touch, but really pleased. They have replaced it with the same bike I had before and they also gave me a £30 voucher to spend in store.

"It shows that that there are some good people out there."

When his bike had initially been stolen last month he said he was going to keep an eye out for anyone riding his bike and was planning to review the home's CCTV.

"I didn't think someone would take advantage and steal from a care home. They're just scum, during the lockdown nobody should be out anyway.

"It's quite frustrating that someone will take something from you and think nothing of it. I was shocked. It's shocking at anytime but to do it during the  coronavirus  outbreak is worse."

He had bought the £899 bike from Halfords on finance around Christmas time and paid £64 a month.