TODDLERS at an Elburton pre-school are 'chuffed to bits' after their stolen toy train was returned by police.

On Saturday The Herald reported how the large train had been stolen from Stepping Stones pre-school in Haye Road South.

Both staff and children were dismayed to learn the large toy had been carried away by thieves.

However, a sharp- eyed parent of one of the children spotted the item left dumped outside a row of garages in Holloway Gardens on Sunday morning, after reading about the theft in The Herald, and called the police.

PCSO Bob Bayley and another officer visited the site and returned the train to the nursery.

Hannah Brill, co-manager of the pre-school, said she was overjoyed at the train's recovery.

"PCSO Bayley and another officer actually delivered it back to us," she said. "I just didn't expect that.

"It's such good news for the pre-school and the children. For it to be returned is really great. It's also nice for the children to see a good outcome and what the police can do."