Elisa Hilton

2:00pm - 6:00pm

Email the studio

Mark Morrison

Return Of The Mack

Listen Live Podcasts

Primary school rallies to support neighbour blighted by thieves

Friday, 28 March 2025 07:32

Oatlands Infant School gathered tools to support a local handyman.

A Harrogate primary school has rallied to support a neighbour who had his work tools stolen.

A local handyman, who lives near the school, was left unable to work when his van was targeted by thieves.

In a bid to help a neighbour in need, Oatlands Infant School called on staff, parents and governors to donate whatever items they could.

And thanks to the generosity of its community, the school was able to collect a drill, angle grinder, saws, screwdrivers, shop vouchers and more.

Mr Harrison said:

“We were so upset to see that our neighbour had his car broken into, and all his tools had been taken. As a handyman, this left him completely unable to work.

“We put out a call for help to our school community, and they stepped up with a tidal wave of generosity.

“We’ve had drills, angle grinders, vouchers and hand tools donated from a huge number of families to help our neighbour get back on his feet.”

Police are currently investigating the matter, and the school’s CCTV footage is being used.

Tool theft has huge implications for tradespeople - particularly those who are self-employed as it can leave them unable to work.

Mr Harrison added:

“What started as sadness and frustration has quickly turned into a powerful opportunity for our community to come together to help a person in need, and the journey has been a fantastic lesson about empathy and kindness for our children.

“We want to extend our huge thanks to the Oatlands families for their support.”

More from Local News

Harrogate NHS awarded £2 million for cutting waiting times

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT) has been awarded £2 million to recognise its success in reducing waiting times for elective care and treatment.
Harrogate care home's Christmas ball raises £18,500

Harrogate Neighbours is celebrating another successful evening of festive generosity after hosting its 8th annual charity event.
Local MP visits Harrogate College amid £20million redevelopment

Local MP Tom Gordon visited Harrogate College last week to see progress on its £20 million redevelopment – a long-awaited transformation he fought hard to secure for the community.
New sandwich shop to open on Knaresborough Road

A new sandwich shop is preparing to open its doors in Harrogate.
Yorkshire Baby Show announces return to Harrogate in spring

The Yorkshire Baby & Toddler Show is set to return to Harrogate next spring, organisers have announced.
Weetons named as winners of Christmas shop window competition

The winner of this year's Harrogate Christmas Shop Window competition was announced last night (Wednesday) following a record number of entries.
Knaresborough Young Farmers announce return of Christmas tree collection service

Knaresborough Young Farmers are preparing to bring back their annual Christmas tree collection scheme, supporting St Michael's Hospice and Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
Your Harrogate and Harrogate Town to partner for return of Local Hero Awards

Your Harrogate and Harrogate Town will be teaming up for the fifth annual Local Hero Awards, returning to Rudding Park in 2026.
Harrogate appoints night marshals for festive season

Night marshals are taking to the streets of Harrogate throughout the festive season to ensure residents and visitors feel safe.
Search continues for missing man who could be in Harrogate

As police searches continue, the family of missing man Robert Rees-Hughes have described him as 'the most gentle and loving person'.
Harrogate dad living with epilepsy shares hope for festive season he can remember

A father from Harrogate is hoping this will be a Christmas to remember after previous festive seasons were wiped from his memory by epilepsy.
Ripon BID named as finalist at national awards

Ripon BID has been named as a finalist in the prestigious National BID Awards 2026.
Man arrested in Harrogate after hitting woman 'multiple times in the head'

Police are appealing for information about an assault that occurred in Harrogate last week.
Yorkshire Water finally lifts five-month hosepipe ban

Yorkshire Water has lifted its hosepipe ban today (Wednesday), bringing an end to restrictions that have affected more than five million people since July.
Fundraiser launched to help Starbeck boy take his first independent steps

A fundraising campaign has been launched to help a Starbeck boy access specialist physiotherapy and help him take his first steps.
Harrogate jeweller to give away free gift cards to swift shoppers

A Harrogate jeweller is trading treats for festive spirit this Christmas – and giving shoppers the chance to walk away with a free gift card.
Don't blame wildlife for £11.7m Kex Gill overspend, say Green councillors

Financial mismanagement rather than a requirement to protect wildlife caused an £11.7m overspend on a major road building scheme, opposition councillors claim.
Suicide prevention bench installed in Harrogate's Valley Gardens

A suicide prevent bench has been installed in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens as part of a mental health awareness campaign.
Family of teenager killed near Pateley Bridge raise £6,700 in his memory

Family and supporters of a teenager was killed in a fatal hit and run incident have raised more than £6,700 in his memory.
Harrogate artists unveil stunning festive mural at Harrogate Hospital

Three local artists have unveiled a stunning Christmas mural in the front window of Harrogate Hospital.