POLICE have recovered a stolen bike less than 24 hours after it was pinched by thieves.

The motorbike, a black and red Lexmoto model, was stolen yesterday in Holme Wood.

This morning, officers from the Steerside Enforcement Team tracked down the bike in East Bowling, and have recovered it.

They said: "Early bird gets the worm."

It was loaded onto a tow truck and will be on its way to be reunited with its rightful owner.