Good samaritans have come to the rescue after heartless thieves stole tools from a 'secret garden' used by cancer patients.

Cranford Park Friends said it had been inundated with offers after getwestlondon highlighted its appeal to replace the stolen equipment.

Oakhill Estate Agents, in Isleworth, donated tools including a fork, spade and watering can, while interior landscaping company Urban Planters London West donated £400 to the friends group.

Tools were also offered by the following individuals: Rupi S, Meena Chumba, Glenys Barber and Caroline Crowhurst.

The garden, in the former kitchen courtyard of a historic country house, is jointly run by the friends group and Macmillan Cancer Support. Among the volunteers working there are people diagnosed with cancer and their families.

Bob Barton, secretary of the friends group, said: "We are very pleased with this response from your readers; it is a great boost to the morale of our volunteers and will help make the secret garden better than ever this summer. We will not be keeping the tools on site."

He added that it now had enough tools but donations were still needed to help the group prepare a bid for Lottery funding in conjunction with Hillingdon Council, which manages the park, in The Parkway, Cranford.

Liz Cabble and Richard Poole, of Urban Planters, which is based in Hounslow, said they had been 'very disappointed' to read about the theft and were happy to help.

Michael and Justin Wright, of Oakhill Estate Agents, in South Street, Isleworth, said: "We wanted to help is because our granddad lived in Cranford and would always go for walks in Cranford Park before he passed away in 2001 from cancer.

"When we saw that Macmillan Cancer Support was also involved at the secret garden I felt we had to help out and do all we can to get the secret garden back up and running.

"I think they do a great job at the secret garden of preserving the grounds. Cranford Park truly is a hidden gem and in my personal opinion one of the most beautiful parks in Greater London."

The secret garden is open to volunteers on the second Sunday of every month, from 10am to midday, with tools and refreshments provided.

A guided historical walk will take place in the park this Saturday, May 17, leaving at 11am from the volunteer centre.

* For more about the friends group, email Mr Barton at secretary@cranfordparkfriends.org