A TEENAGER was knocked off his bike in a hit and run just two hours after he was given it as a reward for his hard work.

Bobby Jones, 15, from Bridgwater, was cycling near Greenway Garage on the A39 when a car went into his back wheel.

He was thrown across the road, his bike damaged beyond repair, with the car failing to stop.

Bobby, who has been in care with foster parents, Jackie and Brian Sparks since July, claims more than 20 cars went by before anyone pulled over to help him.

After the incident, which happened at around 5pm on Thursday, November 12, Brian took the damaged bike into Halfords Bridgwater, where it was purchased, and explained the situation.

To his surprise, manager Matt Wiggin said he was happy to replace the bike free of charge.

“We couldn’t believe it when he said he would replace the bike for free,” said foster mum, Jackie.

“Bobby was given the bike for helping the police locate a missing girl who wasn’t very well a few weeks back.

“Social services gave him £70 as a reward and we used it towards getting him the bike, which cost £199.

“He picked it up on Thursday afternoon and had been to show it to his friends.

“On his way home near Greenway Garage, a car went straight into the back of him.

“He went flying across the road and the bike frame, back wheel and gears were all wrecked.

“He’d only had it for two hours.”

Bobby, who attends the Bridge School, escaped unhurt, apart from a bad bruise on his leg and Jackie said she was grateful he had been wearing safety gear when the collision happened as his injuries could have been worse.

“The driver shouldn’t have gone off without stopping,” added Jackie.

“The car that did stop was too far back to have seen anything, so we’re hoping a witness comes forward.

“My husband took the bike down to Halfords and told the manager the story, and he said they would rebuild it.

“It’s a genuinely nice way of dealing with things and it’s useful to reinforce a good message.

“Bobby was very angry about the damaged bike but chuffed that he received a new one.

“He’s a nice lad.”

Bobby was given his new bike on Sunday, November 15, at Halfords in East Quay.

Manager Matt Wiggin said: “It’s our pleasure to donate the bike to Bobby.

“We were concerned and shocked when we heard the story and we wanted to help.

“We support our community whenever we can and Bobby had all the right safety gear on and so we’re glad he’s ok.

“We wish him all the best.”