A NURSERY school garden is looking better than ever after a donor replaced artificial grass that was ripped out by thieves.

Last month, staff at Playday Nursery in Newton Aycliffe were horrified to discover the grass, worth around £5,000, had been stolen from the garden.

The grass, which was part-funded by parents, had only been in place three weeks and its removal has prevented children from playing outside.

However, on hearing of the crime, Grass Direct, one of the UK’s fastest growing artificial grass suppliers, came to the rescue and replaced the missing grass for free.

Dan Foskett, managing director at Grass Direct, said: “There is no excuse for such crimes in today’s day and age, especially stealing from a nursery, and I hope that the children at the nursery enjoy their new playing area and the nursery moves on from this ordeal.”

Linda Watts, manager at Playday Nursery, said: “I am extremely grateful to Grass Direct for their kind donation, which will restore our garden area back to its former glory and allow our children to enjoy themselves outside.

“It is actions like this that gives you back your faith in human society.”