THE owners of a Keighley gardening business say they are happy and relieved after one of their badly-needed vans was recovered following its theft.

And they have thanked members of the public who got in touch with sightings of the vehicle after the theft was first reported on the Keighley News website.

Flaurel and Hardy Gardening Services, run by Lisa Collins and Karen Van Hes, had its white Suzuki Carry van taken from Keighley town centre some time between 7pm last Wednesday and 10am last Thursday.

Ms Collins, who lives off Halifax Road, Keighley, said: “What was really upsetting is the fact that this van would not be worth much to anyone else, but it’s our livelihood.

“It’s shocking that someone would bother with such an old van.

“And as it’s just getting round to the gardening season, this is the time when we really need it.

“We’ve worked very hard on our business, and we've spent hours planning our summer schedule.”

The stolen van contained about £200 worth of hand tools when it was taken.

Late last night (March 19) the business owners got the news they had been waiting for, when police called to say the van had been found in Kendal Street, Parkwood.

Miss Van Hes said: "We're both over the moon that it's been found. I'm absolutely delighted.

"I know it is damaged because they broke into it and hot wired it, but I understand it's not completely wrecked or burned out.

"The van is now at a police garage for forensics checks. We hope to have it back as soon as possible."