HEARTS melted when staff at a Teesside hire business heard the plight of Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice.

The hospice people carrier was written off by a “hit and run” driver who fled the scene just before New Year.

But Transflex Vehicle Hire, based at Portrack, Stockton, were quick to come to the rescue of children, parents and staff with a free 14-seater mini bus valued at £25,000 complete with Zoe’s Place teddy bear branding.

“It’s an absolutely terrific gesture,” said hospice General Manager Mark Guidery. “The people carrier was used to take our children and parents on hospital visits, breaks to the coast and countryside and a variety of routine but essential journeys.

“We were lost without it. But the cloud of the write-off has a silver lining thanks to the terrific generosity of Transflex who were in touch as soon as they heard of our plight.”

Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice offers specialist care to babies and toddlers and those facing life limiting illnesses.

Transflex managing director Peter Abdale said: “We had no hesitation offering a replacement vehicle when we heard what had happened. It’s the very least we can do. Our hearts went out to the hospice and it’s great to know the mini bus will be put to excellent use.”