AN AUTISTIC Valleys youngster, who had his beloved bike stolen by thieves is "over the moon" after kind-hearted locals heard of his plight and raised the cash to buy him a new one.

As reported in the Argus in May, 11-year-old Matthew Roberts from Llanhilleth had his prized silver BMX pinched from a shed his back garden.

His mother, Maria Roberts, 42, woke to find her back gate unlocked and when she went outside, she discovered the theft of the bike, which is worth £200.

Matthew, a St Illtyd's Primary School pupil, was given the bike as a Christmas present in 2008 and Mrs Roberts said her son loved to ride it along the track behind their house.

At the time of the theft, his father Lee, 39, was in the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, waiting to undergo a triple heart bypass operation.

After hearing about the theft, members of Llanhilleth Conservative Club and pupils and staff at Lee's school held collections and raised £280 for the youngster to get a new bike and accessories, including a helmet, lights and a bike lock.

He is now the proud owner of a gold GT BMX.

Mrs Roberts said: "He thought it was absolutely brilliant, he was over the moon because he was really upset when his bike got stolen.

"When the club told me they had raised the money I was nearly in tears - it was amazing. We were so pleased to hear they did that for Matthew."

Gwent Police are appealing to anyone with information about the theft to call 101.