A BMX club struck by thieves has bounced back after welcoming the current world champion to Andover.

Kelvin Batey was on hand at the weekend to lead a special training session for a group of youngsters from across the Test Valley.

As reported by the Advertiser, bosses at Andover BMX Club feared the event would not take place after thieves made off with almost £10,000-worth of kit from the group’s equipment store just days before the scheduled visit.

The gang, which police say would have contained at least two or three people, made off with a haul of 11 bikes as well as helmets and specialist tools and equipment.

But defiant members of the club pressed on with the once-in-a-lifetime training session, although some riders were not able to take part in the due to a shortage of riding gear.

Club owner William Plowman said: “It didn’t go ahead for all the children because some of the children couldn’t train because we didn’t have enough bikes for them.

“It was definitely the little ones that suffered but I have also got some other children who come to the club now and their parents can’t afford the equipment so that’s why I had these bikes for them to use.

“But overall, the riders who trained with Kelvin had a fantastic race day in Runnimead after that and took on what he had said.

“I’m the chairman and head coach and it has been a real kick in the teeth for me because I have bought so hard to get us where we are.”

Police are still keen to hear from witnesses or anyone who was around the club’s base at Charlton Playing Fields on the evening of December 9.

Anyone with information can call Andover Police Station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.