A STOLEN motorbike has been recovered after nine months, thanks to an eagle-eyed friend of the owner.

Robert Doel, 50, lost the 25-year-old Yamaha TY175 twin shock trial bike he had been restoring for more than four months after raiders struck at his firm in June.

On Sunday Mr Doel's friend Philip Smith spotted the distinctive red and white bike on internet auction site eBay.

He immediately tried to contact Mr Doel and tracked him down having Sunday lunch with his in-laws.

Mr Doel, of Middle Lane, Trowbridge, said: "I just couldn't believe it, I never expected to see it again. I was over the moon because I haven't done any trial riding since it was stolen."

Mr Smith recognised the twin-shock scrambling bike because he had designed the saddle. The bike was recovered from a home in Swindon.

Mr Doel said: "It was pure chance that Philip spotted it, he doesn't go on eBay much. It was on a 10-day listing and there was only three hours left.

"He printed off the picture from eBay and I went straight down to Trowbridge police."

Mr Smith, 43, said: "It was just a case of being in the right place at the right time. It was great for Rob that he got it back but not for me.

"At the time there was a big reward offered for any information but I haven't seen anything. Rob offered me a hotdog and a plate of chips, I guess that's all I'm going to get."

The bike was stolen after thieves broke into the premises of RD Machinery on Canal Road, Trowbridge, between June 29 and 30. They stole £5,000 worth of other goods as well as the motorbike Mr Doel had spent more than £600 rebuilding.

The firm, which refurbishes and sells industrial equipment, was left without the tools to do its work and, to add insult to injury, the burglars drove off in the firm's Ifor Williams truck. Mr Doel has since installed extra security to protect his business.

A 49-year-old from Wootton Bassett has been arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and been released on police bail pending further inquiries.