CHILDREN at a Catterick school were devastated when they discovered thieves had ruined a new garden they had worked so hard to create.

The intruders first stole a bird table and bench, which the Army had helped to make to brighten up a neglected courtyard at Wavell Infants School, in Catterick Garrison.

Just a few nights later, the thieves were back again to force their way into a shed where toys were stored, leaving a trail of destruction as well as stealing two bikes.

However, there was a happy ending when staff from the Ravensworth Nursery called with new garden furniture.

"The children came to us for the plants for their new garden so we were upset when we read about what had happened," said partner Brian Bradbrook.

Police also managed to trace the stolen bikes, which have now been returned to their rightful owners