CROWDYS Hill School has been inundated with offers to replace the 40 trees stolen by thieves.

Pupils at the Swindon special school were bewildered by the theft of the saplings, planted six weeks ago.

But following the Evening Advertiser's story on Monday deputy head Christine Gower said the phone had barely stopped ringing with offers ranging from firms wanting to replace all of the trees to individuals offering saplings grown in their back garden.

She said: "After the story appeared in the Advertiser we received lots of offers from all kinds of people.

"It has been fantastic the whole community has rallied around and the children think it is brilliant.

"We have had everything from a man giving us a three foot oak tree in a plant pot to a company offering to replace all 40 trees."

Pupils at the school planted 50 saplings donated to them by the Great Western Community Forest.

Members of the business networking group Business Networking International offered their help after being contacted by Sheila Parsons of charity Community Service Volunteers, which works with Crowdys Hill.

The CSV, a national volunteer charity, celebrates its 40th birthday this year and has asked members to organise events with the number 40 in mind to celebrate.

Mrs Parsons has asked the companies to sponsor 40 trees and bring 40 volunteers to help plant them.

She said: "I spoke to BNI after finding out about what happened at the school and the members, who represent companies of all sizes, were really keen to help out.

"They have agreed to donate 40 trees and then they are hoping to come down with staff members to help the pupils plant them.

"None of the firms that make up BNI have been involved in volunteering before so it is great news they want to get involved."

Pupils are now faced with a long wait until they can plant the new saplings.

The school will have to wait until October or November when conditions are right for the young trees to establish themselves.