COULD we please give a very heartfelt thanks to those residents of Leyburn who rose spontaneously to assist us in recovering two stolen bikes on Sunday, September 30.

Whilst enjoying welcome refreshment at Penleys of Leyburn, our bikes, in full view, were taken by two criminals who proceeded out of town on the Bedale Road.

Our cries for assistance were responded to by many people, and as consequence, following a chase by a motorbike rider and two cars, we were able to recover them.

In the immediate aftermath we did not have the presence of mind to take a note of the names of those who helped and could we therefore through your pages express our sincere thanks for their help, without which we would have been unable to continue on our coast to coast journey.

Their willingness to respond was a wonderful gesture.

Thanks again to all who helped.

Bob Turner and Mike Blackledge, Windermere, Cumbria