AFTER cold-hearted criminals destroyed the novelty snowman, Stephen and Sheila Moss feared they might struggle to get over the deflating experience.

But the couple have had their faith in Christmas spirit restored after a generous North West company offered to pay for a brand new 8ft Frosty for their Blackburn front garden.

Sheila, of Preston Old Road, said she was delighted with the replacement. She said: "He's great, he's the new and improved Frosty.

"He is very similar to the old Frosty and looks like he could be Frosty's brother.

"I'm really happy about it. It just wasn't the same without him."

B&M Bargains, based in St Annes, ordered a new novelty snowman for the couple after hearing about his sad demise when he was deliberately punctured last week.

And yesterday, Sheila went to St Annes to collect the brand new illuminated snowman.

Daniel Martin, deputy manager of the store, presented the snowman to her. He said: "She was chuffed to bits. I felt I'd done a good deed in the Christmas spirit.

"Mrs Moss also brought in articles from the Lancashire Evening Telegraph to show me what the first Frosty looked like."

The new snowman is slightly taller and has other differences including holly on his hat and a new scarf.

The snowman was kindly donated by the company after Daniel asked permission from the area manager when he heard about the demise of Frosty.

Blackburn men, Daniel Parker, 20, of Bonsall Street, and Matthew Harrison, 18, of Preston Old Road, both pleaded guilty to criminal damage.

They were ordered by magistrates to pay £55 compensation to the Moss family, as well as court costs of £50.