A TEAM of tree surgeons have given a single mum an early Christmas present by refunding money that was stolen from her. As reported in last week s Crow, the woman had �20 stolen when she turned away from cash point at Royston Tesco to chat to a friend. St

A TEAM of tree surgeons have given a single mum an early Christmas present by refunding money that was stolen from her.

As reported in last week's Crow, the woman had �20 stolen when she turned away from cash point at Royston Tesco to chat to a friend.

Staff at Shire Tree Surgery, a business based in Worcester Way, Melbourn, read about the incident and decided to have a whip round, raising �50 which was given to the woman this week.

A spokesman for Shire Tree Surgery said: "It's a bit of a rotten thing for someone to do, so when we read what had happened we thought we'd have a collection.

"Even thought it might not be a lot of money to some people, it was obvious that the money meant a lot to her because she'd been moved to write in.

"All the lads have chipped in and we managed to get �50 together," he said.

The mum of one, whose daughter has learning difficulties, said: "I can't believe they have done that. It's a really lovely gesture, and I'm very grateful."

The theft took place outside Royston Tesco at around 9pm on November 21, when the woman was withdrawing �20 in cash and turned round to talk to a friend.

Closed circuit television footage of the incident was unable to help identify the offender.