Mystery as stolen Christmas inflatables replaced

A family who had three Christmas inflatables stolen from outside their home say they are "overwhelmed" after they were replaced by an anonymous donor.

The trio of festive characters were pinched from Jason Fletcher's front garden in Woodthorpe, York, in the early hours of 5 December.

After appealing on social media for their return, three new inflatables mysteriously arrived in the post.

Mr Fletcher said: "It was really nice of the person who sent it, but we've got no idea who it is."

Mr Fletcher said he was contacted on Thursday by nearby Woodthorpe Primary School, which received the first parcel in the post.

"The [school] receptionist did a bit of research, obviously heard what's been going on on the socials, and then put two and two together," he explained.

"She came round with the gift and then another one arrived a day after and then on the Monday another parcel came."

The father-of-two previously said the decorations had been popular with children in the neighbourhood and he had been "devastated" when they were stolen.

"The kids have been around all the time again now since we've gotten them back up and stood there watching them," he said.

"It is nice to see smiles on their faces."

The gifts included a Father Christmas, a snowman and a present delivery van.

Mr Fletcher previously said he had no intention to replace the stolen items due to the cost, so said he was was extremely grateful for the gifts.

"It's been overwhelming, if not embarrassing," he said.

"I just want to say thank you, it was just so unexpected, especially after they were stolen and some kindness has come out of it.

"It'd be wonderful just to say thank you to this person, whoever is doing it."

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