Children in plea for van’s return (From York Press)

Children in plea for return of Postman Pat van

9:45am Friday 13th April 2012 in News

CHILDREN at a nursery near York were left devastated when its Postman Pat van was stolen from a lay-by on the A64.

The van was a former arcade amusement attraction donated to Flaxton’s Children’s Nursery, and had been placed on a trailer next to the busy route to promote the business.

When not used for advertising near the Flaxton turn-off on the A64, it was based at the nursery as a treat for youngsters, who have now painted a poster appealing for its return.

The nursery’s bosses believe the culprits may have kept the trailer but dumped the van.

“People often recognise it when they drive past,” said nursery manager Jeannette Gray.

“Some people told us they saw a strange-looking character looking at the van with some interest over the Easter weekend.

“One person said a man was even sitting on it.

“It was probably taken as it was on a trailer which would have had some scrap metal value, but I am just hoping that somebody, somewhere, will spot it and help reunite it with the nursery.”

“We want it back – our children love it and they keep asking where Postman Pat is.”

The theft is believed to have happened between last Saturday evening and Monday morning.

Anyone with information should phone North Yorkshire Police on 101, or Flaxton’s Children’s Nursery on 01904 468888.