A Newport mum has reunited a toddler with her teddy after thousands of people joined in an online search.

When Deborah Hitchins, mum-of-six, stumbled across the missing teddy, she turned to a social network for help. Mrs Hitchins, 40, from Newport, runs a family days out page 'Family Days. Tried & Tested' and so she reached out to the thousands of people on Facebook who already follow her page.

Mrs Hitchins posted on Facebook: "This well-worn and obviously well-loved little fella was found sad and he's staying with us until we can get him back to the family he belongs too.

"Please share this photo and help him get back to the little person who loves and cuddles him and no doubt misses him."

It's owner, 18-month-old Maddie, had been visiting friends in Devon with her family when they lost the bunny last Friday.

Maddie's dad Brad Cross, 33, from Aylesbury, Bucks, said: "We had been at the beach and were sure we had Maddie's teddy with us but when she told us she'd lost it we searched and searched but had no luck."

The campaign was shared by almost 30,000 people on the social network - reaching millions of users - and within 24 hours the rightful owners had come forward to claim the teddy.

Mr Cross said: "He's her comforter and she couldn't sleep a wink without him all Bank Holiday - so when we saw Deborah's campaign on Facebook we were utterly delighted.

"And to have the two back together is perfect - she was delighted and has a big smile back on her face. I'm just looking forward to sleep again."

Due to the Bank Holiday Deborah had to wait until Tuesday to post the bunny back home, but in the meantime she welcomed it on her daily adventures and blogged his journey.

Mrs Hitchens said: "I never imagined it would grow so big.The response has been astonishing and everyone on the page has been wonderful - when the family got in touch and provided pictures to show it was there's I was delighted."