A CHARITY cycling event is back on track today after a generous company stepped in to reverse the work of thieves.Ipswich-based firm The Windscreen Company was so saddened to hear that thieves had made off with two banners advertising a fundraising event for sick children that it paid to have them replaced.

A CHARITY cycling event is back on track today after a generous company stepped in to reverse the work of thieves.

Ipswich-based firm The Windscreen Company was so saddened to hear that thieves had made off with two banners advertising a fundraising event for sick children that it paid to have them replaced.

Now fundraisers for East Anglia's Children's Hospices, who are organising the Ride for Life event at Rendlesham Forest on September 4, are thrilled the thieves wont be allowed to scuttle preparations for the event.

Anne Bunyan, co-ordinator for the charity's voluntary fundraisers, said: "This restores your faith in human nature.

"We were absolutely delighted when they came to us. It's so nice when you realise that there are people who do think about the charity and care about the work we are doing."

Terry Fenwick, general manager at The Windscreen Company in Turret Lane, read about the theft of the banners, which were printed to advertise the Rendlesham event, in The Evening Star.

He and his staff were so moved by the charity's plight that they not only paid for the replacement banners to be made but also made a £50 donation.

Mr Fenwick said: "It's very sad what happened. The volunteers are trying to help the hospice – what is the point of taking the banners?

"We're a local company and this is a local hospice so we're glad to help."

The hospice is based in Foxhall Road and currently cares for 75 children.

The banners, which were among 10 to be placed around Ipswich, Woodbridge and Felixstowe, were stolen from a roundabout between Foxhall and Martlesham and from a fence at a roundabout near the Copdock Interchange within days of being placed in full view of motorists.

Mrs Bunyan said: "The promotion for the event is vital. We want to get as many people interested in getting involved as possible."