Christmas in Ammanford has been saved.

Staff at the town branch of Wilkos presented Father Christmas with 20 selection boxes to replace ones stolen from Santa’s grotto in Shoppers World last week.

The extra special Christmas gift came hot on the heels of a £30 donation from the Black and White cafe.

The raid on the grotto – believe to have taken place on Thursday, December 11 – saw around 30 selection boxes stolen. The treats were to have been given to youngsters as part of a charity fundraiser for the town’s junior football teams.

The theft left Santa with nothing to give the disappointed children who visited his grotto.

However, after the theft was reported in the Guardian, the businesses of Ammanford stepped up to ensure the season of goodwill returned once more.

“I am absolutely overjoyed by the kindness of the businesses on Ammanford,” said grotto organiser Francis Rees.

“Everyone from Shoppers World, the Black and White cafe and now Wilkos has been fantastic.

“This shows what a great community spirit we have in this town.

“Christmas has been saved.”

Wilko assistant manager Val Doherty said: “When we heard about the theft we were all disappointed.

“We were delighted to do what we could to help make sure the children got the Christmas treats.”