Christmas joy is back on track and will be rolled out as initially planned for two young boys, after a present - a toy trolley - was stolen, but subsequently returned after a police investigation.
Tracey Rodgers said she and her husband had just painted the trolley bright orange for their 7- and 5-year-old nephews, so it was ready for them for Christmas.
The trolley was taken from the back yard of their Eglinton Rd, Mornington, property earlier this month, leaving her and her husband to consider an alternative present.
Dunedin police returned the trolley after it was found by a man who had seen an article in the Otago Daily Times about the theft and notified police.
No-one had been charged, she said.
Mrs Rodgers was delighted the trolley had been returned because of its sentimental value. It had come from a friend whose children were now adults, she said.
"They [the boys] are very keen on rugby so we've painted No 7 on the side in black for Richie McCaw."
Mrs Rodgers wanted to publicly thank several people who had offered financial support and a replacement trolley.
She said the trolley was "a bit worse for wear" when it was returned, and needed another paint job.
"But our two nephews will be two very happy people this Christmas."
