A Sandwell officer who became friends with a local schoolboy after being made to feel welcome when working in his school, has gifted the child a new bike.

Reece Welch, who attends a primary school in the borough, first met PC Nick Steventon two years ago when he began offering support at his school. The 10-year-old has continually made an effort with PC Steventon by seeing how he is and asking what he can do to help.

The child’s kindness was repaid last week when in preparation for a ‘Bikeability’ cycle training scheme, he found his bike was in need of repair and wouldn’t be sorted ahead of the school’s deadline. PC Steventon saw that Reece was upset and stepped in and offered to help.

The officer spoke with his daughters at home and they decided to donate one of their BMX bikes to Reece, and buy him a helmet to keep him safe.

Reece was delighted with the gift and was able to complete his bike riding assessments along with the rest of his school friends, which he successfully passed. PC Steventon, from the Sandwell Partnership team, said:

“Reece has been nothing but kind to me whenever I go to his school and I really appreciate it. He’s always supporting his friends and is very polite to me, so I wanted to give him a present to say thank you.

“Reece is a credit to his school and his parents and I am proud to be his police friend.”