Child reunited with her missing cuddly toy – thanks to council staff

Any parent knows that when a child’s favourite cuddly toy goes missing it’s a crisis that calls for immediate action.

Understandably, Sara’s 18-month-old daughter Eleanor was more than a little tearful. Bedtime just wasn’t the same without Ooh Aah the orangutan – an empty space on the pillow. Nothing to cuddle.

Desperate to find Ooh Aah and bring a smile back to her daughter’s face, Sara emailed Cheshire East Council’s town hall in Macclesfield. The council’s parking team were put on immediate alert - and scanned the town for any glimpse of the furry creature.

Next morning brought a happy ending to the drama. 

Civil enforcement officer Kevin Lowndes said: “We found Ooh Aah on the upper floor of the Grosvenor car park. He appeared to be no worse for his night on the town.”

Reunited with Ooh Aah, Eleanor smiled gleefully, clutching her cuddly friend who had looked to be lost forever. 

Mum Sara said: “It’s such a relief. I thought we would never get him back. I’m so grateful to the parking people for taking so much trouble to find him. Eleanor and her orangutan are inseparable.”

Emma Steers, acting joint supervisor of the council’s parking team, said: “Our enforcement officers often come in for criticism because of the nature of their work and they have to be a bit thick skinned. But there’s a soft side to them really and this was an important mission resulting in a happy ending for all.”

Councillor Craig Browne, Cheshire East Council deputy leader and chair of its highways and transport committee, said: “I am so pleased that we have been able to reunite Eleanor with her playmate and that the search has resulted in a happy outcome.”