CRUEL thieves have taken favourite playthings from a children's nursery.

They broke in through the roof of a storage building at Stonehouse Day Nursery in Leigh and grabbed a toddlers' trike and ride-on cart.

The distinctive yellow trike with passenger attachment and the blue cart were hoisted out through the roof in an after-hours raid.

Now the 78 youngsters who enjoy using the Etherstone Street nursery equipment will have to queue for a ride.

"The children are particularly missing the trike which they liked to ride because they could take a passenger along behind them," said deputy nursery manager Jill Bowker.

Now pupils and staff are appealing for their return.

"They are quite distinctive. If somebody is riding around on them they would be very noticeable," she emphasized.

Anyone with any information should contact nursery manager Margaret Tucker on 01942 674556 or notify Police.