FIVE years ago this week, the victim of a bike theft had to pay £2.30 to receive his compensation because the letter came without a stamp.

Lee Patrun received only £6.13 of the £250 compensation and was asked to write off the outstanding amount because the thief who stole his bike was in prison for another offence.

To add insult to injury, the letter from HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) did not have a stamp on it, costing him £2.30 to collect from the post office.

He said: "I couldn't believe it when the letter arrived asking me to write off the compensation. He had no regard for me when he broke through two locks and took my bike, why should I have any regard for him? It's shocking that they even ask."

Meanwhile, a terrified shop assistant was forced to hand over cash when a masked axeman struck a village shop.

The robber threatened the woman working at Brompton Convenience Store, while shop owners Jackie and Manjit Bains were away.

Mrs Bains, 41, said: "It's just awful. She was in the shop on her own and this guy had come in and was at the back of the shop.”

Manjit Bairns had left the shop just moments before the attack.

He said: "I just really wish I had been here. I'd not long left. It's horrible to think of one of our staff having to face that. I'm just pleased she wasn't hurt.”

Marcus Richardson, 20, of Water End, Brompton, was later jailed for three years over the incident.

Also that week, five people, including a number of children, were rushed to hospital when high winds blew an inflatable slide 160ft across a packed car boot sale.

Onlookers watched in horror as it flew across the site at Ripley Cricket Club, near Harrogate.

Witness Chris Norton said: "I saw it from a distance and the speed and height terrified me. I hope everyone is okay. The wind was vicious."

Ripley Castle, which leases land to the cricket club, said on Facebook: "The latest information that we have been given indicates that none of the injuries are serious, thank heavens. One person is being detained in hospital for observation, just to be certain."

And a Paralympic athlete visited schools in the region to help inspire young people.

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson visited St Peter's Catholic College, Middlesbrough, to work with year nine pupils and presented the school with an Investors in Careers award.

She told students that achievement is possible for everyone, provided they put in the hard work.

The Paralympic gold medallist then visited The Avenue primary school to open its new IT suite which has been equipped thanks to the Olympic legacy.

Headteacher Darren Gamble said: "The Olympic ethos is an important lesson for pupils."