8:10am Sunday 8th November 2009
By Arron Hendy
A MOTORCYCLE used to inspire teenagers has been stolen.
The bike was taken from the Dorchester Learning Centre where youngsters visit to continue their education after they have had to leave their mainstream school.
Groups of students get the chance to work on old motorbikes and the centre used lottery funding and charitable donations to buy what they call their 'best bike' for motocross racing at weekends.
But the red Honda CR 125CC motorcycle and riding clothes were taken from a garage on the site of the old Penwithen School at Winterborne Monkton.
Joe Butler, 16, has been left devastated as he used the bike to ride for the Hants and Dorset Youth Motorcycle Club.
He said: "It's really upsetting as we like racing and now we can't.
"It's the thing I look forward to most of all and they've taken that away."
Steve Campbell, specialist support worker, runs the motorbike programme.
He said: "We've one good bike that we have for racing and that's the one they've taken with the helmets and all the racing gear.
"We are all really gutted because it's an inspiration for the kids and they work on their bikes.
"They have to earn the right to go out racing for the weekends and they look forward to it."
"It's something they wouldn't be able to afford to do as it's quite an expensive habit."
Mr Campbell said the motorbike cost £2,600 two years ago.
"If we want to buy a new bike it would cost £4,500 and we've not got it," he said.
"We just don't have it. It's not built into our budget.
"We get help from charitable donations and the students pay a certain amout. They are all disappointed, angry and upset that somebody has done this."
A Dorset Police spokesman confirmed the force had reports of the off-road motorbike being taken.
Anybody who witnessed anything or has any information can call PC Chris Meade on 01305 222222
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