PARENTS of youngsters at a Darlington children's centre have appealed for the safe return of a piece of play equipment, after it was stolen.

A play house was purchased for use by youngsters at the Skerne Park Sure Start Children's Centre, in Coleridge Gardens, in May.

It was bought after a group of parents clubbed together to save enough money for it.

The play house had not long been in use when it was stolen on the evening of May 14.

A spokeswoman for the Parents of Skerne Park Children's Centre group said: "A group of parents who use and volunteer to help out in the centre, saved enough money to buy a small playhouse for the young children.

"The house was purchased in May and set up behind the children’s centre.

"Sadly, thieves stole it, leaving the children nowhere to play, which has been really upsetting, especially for all those involved in the fundraising and hard work it took to save the money for the playhouse.

"We would like to appeal to the person or persons who stole the playhouse to return it for the children who attend the centre or to anyone that may know the location to make contact with the police or the group itself.

"We would appeal to local community to help in returning this for the children who have been so upset over the loss of their new house."

Anyone who can help is asked to call police on 101.