A paper boy can buy a new bicycle after a community organisation stepped in when his bike was stolen on his round.

Luke Glen, 14, described as the 'perfect paper boy' has been delivering the Glasgow Times for nearly two years.

When the bike he used for his daily deliveries was stolen outside a Trust Housing Association complex in the Southside, he was left upset and disheartened. 

Luke's mum Kara Glen said: "When Luke realised his bike had been taken, he was really quite upset. 

"He got a bit of a fright and he was just really annoyed about it as he needs it to do his round.

"It wasn't like he left his bike on a main street or anything, it was outside the actual front building which you need to enter via a car park. Whoever stole it must have followed him in."

Glasgow Times:

The family reported the theft to the police but knew there was no hope of getting the bike back. 

To ensure Luke got back on the saddle, elderly residents at the complex - which operates as a housing with care facility combining independent living with care services, clubbed together to give the Shawlands Academy pupil £300 for a new bike. 

Luke said: "I really enjoy going to Shawholm every day - I like talking to my customers, and also the carers and kitchen staff - they are all so nice to me.

"When my bike was stolen I was upset, but also angry that someone had done that.

"The people in the care home looked after me, and made me feel better. I cant believe they have raised all that money for me. They really didn't have to do that, and I was shocked when they presented me with the money.

"They are always really kind and generous, but this was unbelievable." 

Kara added: "Luke was so overwhelmed when he got the money, I don't think he knew how to react. 

"The residents and staff all signed a card for him too, and wrote some lovely thoughts and messages inside. 

"It was more than enough for them to just take care of him once the bike was stolen, but the staff and everyone there are just the nicest people ever. We didn't expect anything like this at all. 

"I think the residents were worried he wouldn't come back, he's a lifeline to them.

"You never know how your kids act when you aren't around but they like him and are kind to him there. Luke and his brother - who he took over the round from - have always loved going to the building."

Ruth Black who is a senior housing care worker at the Pollokshaws facility said the way the residents' and staff rallied together made her proud. 

She added: "The staff and residents here just adore Luke, especially the older ladies - they just love him because, to them, he's just so cute. 

"He's so polite, he's always on time - he's kind of just perfect. 

"When his bike was stolen everyone here was just so gutted for him and very quickly we all just wanted to help.

"He was so overwhelmed by the card and money and seeing everyone come together like that sort of just restored my faith in humanity." 

Luke will start looking for a new bike after Christmas.