THE businesses in Barrow who donated gifts to two young girls after they had their Christmas presents stolen, have sent their best wishes to the family in the run up to Christmas.

Grandmother Lesley Stevenson-Hill was left distraught after her house was broken in to and robbed.

The thieves took a large amount of cash as well as a number of electronic items.

They also took the presents Lesley had wrapped to give her two young granddaughters.

The Mail put out an appeal to businesses across Barrow for donations to help replace the stolen presents.

Heaths Toymaster, Tesco Extra and Morrisons all answered the call and donated a variety of gifts for the two children and gift vouchers for the rest of the family.

Now, with Christmas just around the corner, the three businesses have sent their best wishes to the family.

Phil Heath, of Heaths Toymaster, said: "I hope both the girls get a lot of use out of the presents were gave them.

"Everyone at Heaths would like to wish the family all the best and we hope they have the best Christmas possible."

A Tesco spokesperson said: "When we heard the sad story of this burglary our colleagues wanted to help the customer by donating replacement gifts so they could properly celebrate their Christmas.

"We always want to help out in the community whenever we can."

Kath Dixon, Community Champion at Morrisons Barrow said:

"It was so awful to hear that Mrs Stevenson-Hill had been burgled and all of her grandchildren's presents had been taken.

"We wanted to help out, so we filled two boxes with toys for the children, organised some vouchers, and our colleagues held a fundraising day for the family.

"We hope that this contribution helps them to have a wonderful Christmas day."

The Burglary happened on Lorn Road on November 29.

Lesley Stevenson-Hill had previously spoken of her shock and distress after discovering the presents intended for granddaughters Macey, aged seven, and Eva, aged four, had been stolen.

On December 5, police announced two men had been charged with the burglary and placed on remand until January 4 2019.