A SCHOOL targeted by cruel thieves who stole balance bikes used by its younger children has thanked kind-hearted well wishers who stepped in to help out.

There was devastation at Queensway Primary School, in Yeadon, when the bikes - used by nursery and reception-age children - were stolen from a shed last week.

This type of bike is used to help tots develop the skills of balance and steering - standing them in good stead for when they progress on to a ‘proper’ bike.

Balance bikes look like regular bikes, but they don’t have cranks or pedals. Children push the bike along with their feet, then learn to push and glide.

After the cruel theft, the school said staff and children were left “questioning the Christmas spirit”, particularly as the bikes are a "valuable resource" for pupils.

But after word got out about the incident, an offer soon came in to ensure the children wouldn’t be without.

Having heard about the incident from Emma Thornton, a Learning Support Assistant at Queensway, who also works at Banyan Bar and Kitchen in Horsforth, members of a team who enter the pub quiz at Banyan, decided to step in and help out.

Adam Vallor, Mike Wright and Daniel Evans, from Leeds-based recruitment company, Apex Search and Selection, plus other team members Karl Unwin and Junaid Saleem, decided to donate 10 brand-new balance bikes to replace those that were stolen.

Will Riley, Headteacher at Queensway Primary School, said: “We are all tremendously grateful to Apex Search and Selection for their generosity and kindness of spirit during what was initially a very upsetting time for the pupils in school.

“I would like to thank them for their kind donation which goes a long way towards ensuring that our pupils maintain access to the best possible resources the school can provide.”

Mr Vallor, director at Apex, added: “We were all pretty heartbroken when Emma told us someone had broken in and stolen the kids’ bikes.

“We couldn’t believe someone could do that.

“It took us 30 seconds to decide that we wanted to do something to help, so we all got together and agreed to make it right and get them some new bikes.

“It’s a great feeling knowing that the kids at the school will be able to get back out and play on their new bikes straight away."

He added that he hoped school pupils would enjoy the bikes.

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: “Police have been carrying out enquiries following a report of 10 Frog balance bikes being stolen in a burglary at a shed in the grounds of Queensway Primary School, Coppice Wood Avenue, Yeadon, sometime between 6pm on December 2 and 9am on December 3.

“Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the vicinity of the school around that time or who has any information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact officers via 101 quoting crime reference 13190619280 or online via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat. Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”