A FAMILY whose Christmas was almost ruined by cruel thieves say they have been left overjoyed by the kindness of others.

Mother-of-five Kellie Shone, 33, of Maes y Dre, Flint, was left devastated when her Christmas was left in tatters after more than £290 in cash and nearly £3,000 in games consoles, games and electronic equipment were taken from the family home.

But Christmas sprit was in strong supply and thanks to donations from kind-hearted neighbours, teachers and voluntary organisations the family celebrated Christmas day with smiles on their faces.

Kellie and her children Jake, 16, Dylan, 15, Harry, 13, Charlie, eight, and six-year-old Lillie-May were treated to a series of gifts including a teddy bear, two footballs, toys and £50 in shopping vouchers.

Full-time mum Kellie, a former pupil at St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School, said: “We had a good Christmas, the kids made it. Our neighbours also helped out with £50 of supermarket vouchers, a bag of vegetables and a turkey so we could have a Christmas dinner.

“We had some presents from Home Start, a family support organisation. I was overjoyed by people helping out. I felt guilty taking all the help.”

Help also arrived from Charlie and Lillie-May’s teachers at Gwynedd Primary School, Flint, in the form of another bag of presents.

After the theft just days before Christmas, which Kellie described as cruel, she said Christmas was no longer in her heart and she had to be persuaded to put up the family’s festive decorations.

She said: “Christmas spirit won out in the end. People really pulled together to help out.

“I am so happy the kids had a good Christmas. I would like to thank everyone who helped out for their generosity. We want to make next year even better.”