Kind-hearted readers have rallied round to bring a smile back to the face of brave toddler James Smith.

People from across Sussex were touched by the story of two-year-old James, whose teddies, books and puzzles were stolen from the back of a car parked outside his home in Peacehaven.

Little James was diagnosed with leukaemia on Christmas Eve. He has been in hospital with mother Jaqi since.

The toys had been bought to cheer him up after gruelling bouts of chemotherapy.

Caring families and businessmen have responded by donating toys and money, including one gift of £268 from the Sussex Spearfishing Club.

Chairman Mick Veal said: "We were just so disgusted that someone could steal from a sick child.

"We thought this would be a good way to show that people still care about things like this."

Jaqi, 32, of South Coast Road, Peacehaven, said: "I'm completely overwhelmed.

"I really don't know what to say.

"All I was hoping for was that the thieves might return the toys but this is amazing.

"I didn't know there were people like this out there."

Other donations include a teddy bear from a family in Seaford and a cheque from Mary Blomfield from Saltdean.

Mrs Blomfield said: "Having had children of my own I can imagine the terrible time James and his family are going through. They just didn't need this as well.

"Stealing that poor boy's toys was a terrible thing to do."

Charities have also pledged their support, including Kids Appeal who have said it will replace all the gifts as well as taking the family on holiday to the Isle of Wight.

Founder Ros Webster said: "I know these little ones fight with every bit of their bodies to overcome this horrible disease.

"It fills me with sadness that a human being can then come along and do this.

"This will hopefully change the tears into smiles."