Christmas was saved for a Newtown family after a 12-year-old's bike, stolen from their back garden on Boxing Day, was recovered by police.

Newtown mum Jayne Ralph, who lives in the Treowen area, had asked the public to be on the lookout after heartless thieves stole the brand new bike just hours after her 12 year old daughter Libby had received it for Christmas.

She said the bike had been left in a secure area of her back garden on Boxing Day but her daughter woke up the next day to find it gone.

"I've lived at this property for 20 years and nothing like this has ever happened, we've never had anyone take anything. We're all absolutely devastated, it was her main present," she said.

"We're just doing all we can and hopefully the person will return it."

In an effort to trace the culprits, Jayne contacted the County Times and she said she was "overwhelmed" with people offering to help after the story was published.

However Libby received some further good news earlier today when officers from Dyfed-Powys Police called to say the bike had been recovered, and would be returned to her.

"I'm so delighted, it's amazing news," she said.

"I just wanted to thank everyone who's been in contact with us - we've been absolutely overwhelmed with good wishes and offers of help since the original story.

"Thanks to everyone for their help and support."