A FAMILY have offered to pay to replace chicks which were stolen from a school, leaving the children heartbroken.

Children from Lyppard Grange Primary School were devastated when they realised six Silkie chicks they had been looking after for months had been stolen from their outdoor coop.

Now Neil Westwood, whose nine-year-old son Morely attends the school, has offered to pay for replacement chicks.

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Mr Westwood said: “I am disgusted that anyone could do this. It’s shocking for anyone to steal from a reception class. I really don’t understand why someone would do such a nasty thing to primary school children.

“The older children looked after the chicks every day. Everyone was upset to hear the chicks had been stolen. I can’t believe someone would do this and I want to know what their motive is. They should return the chicks if they are still alive.

"I hope the thieves feel guilty.”

The 46-year-old added “We just need to know how much it is to replace the chicks and we will give the school that money. We want to do a good thing to rectify the situation.”

Mandy Redfern, early years teacher at the school in Ankerage Green, Worcester, said the theft had broken the hearts of the nursery-age children.

She said the school cannot afford to replace the chicks because Silkies can cost £30 each.

Miss Redfern added: “We have been inundated with empathy and overwhelmed with support since the theft. It has been amazing.

“The children were delighted to hear that the school will be getting more chicks.

"There has been massive community support and so many people have contacted the school offering their help and wanting to donate.”

Worcester News readers were shocked to hear about the stolen chicks, after the theft which is believed to have taken place on Wednesday (May 8) evening.

One reader, Steve Beston, said: “This is awful. What do people get out of doing this, upsetting these children who get so much enjoyment and life experience by having animals in schools?”

Kelly Davis, whose daughter attends the school, added: “She is heartbroken that the chicks have been taken. She doesn’t understand why 'horrible people' would take these innocent chicks – her words, not mine.”

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