ST John Ambulance cadet Tom Pieri is devastated after thieves stole his bike while he was at a cadet meeting.

Tom, 12, who goes to Corsham's St John Ambulance unit, left his bike chained to a fence outside its HQ in Meriton Avenue at 6.30pm last Wednesday and discovered it missing at 8.15pm.

It was the first time Tom, who lives in Corsham, had ridden the bike to the group's weekly get-together since receiving it as a Christmas present one and a half years ago from parents Paul and Sandra.

Thieves sawed through his bike chain and made off with the bike.

"He was absolutely gutted, absolutely devastated, because he had taken all of the precautions we had told him to and then this happens," said Mr Pieri.

The yellow and silver Falcon Matrix 26-inch mountain bike cost £170 new, and Mr Pieri said he is insured for part of the loss.

"The bike has been his pride and joy really, and he enjoys cycling around the local area," said Mr Pieri.

Tom's parents now plan to buy him a new bike as they say there is little hope of getting the old one back.

Anyone with any information about the bike theft is asked to contact Corsham police on (01249) 712172.