A Norwich courier service has received over 2,000 Easter eggs after most of their initial collection for a children's cancer charity were stolen in a burglary.

Eastern Daily Press: Just some of the eggs collected by CitySprint in NorwichJust some of the eggs collected by CitySprint in Norwich (Image: Archant)

CitySprint, on Europa Way, in Norwich, has been inundated with chocolate donations since we first reported the story on Monday.

Couriers, local businesses and members of the public have been dropping of boxes of eggs at the office all week. At one point a group of toddlers even turned up offering to donate their own Easter eggs.

The majority of the eggs are being delivered by CitySprint to the Lennox Children's Cancer Fund in the next couple of days and Natalie Thurlow, fundraising officer at the charity, said they have been amazed by the response.

'When we heard there were 2,000 eggs we couldn't believe it,' she said. 'We have already delivered some eggs to children on cancer wards and when they are given the eggs their faces light up like they are being handed a Ferrari or a puppy. We would just like to thank everyone who has donated and CitySprint who have gone above and beyond.'

Eastern Daily Press: Over 140 Easter eggs were allegedly stolen from the CitySprint office in Norwich.Over 140 Easter eggs were allegedly stolen from the CitySprint office in Norwich. (Image: Archant)

The vast donations came after an alleged break-in at the CitySprint office on Sunday night where two suspects stole 140 Easter eggs and a laptop after smashing a window with a plate break.

The courier service received so many Easter eggs after the theft that they have already donated some to local Norfolk charities including East Anglia's Children's Hospices and Break.

Patrick Gallagher, CEO at CitySprint, thanked everyone for their support.

He said: 'We have been delighted and overwhelmed by the support of all those that have donated eggs; we now have an astounding 2000 eggs at our Norwich service centre alone. The eggs have been collected as part of an initiative across 40 CitySprint service centres nationwide which aims to share a 'mountain' of eggs to local charities this Easter.

'I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our clients who have donated replacement Easter eggs for the local charities- the response has been overwhelming.'

•A woman in her 30s has been arrested on suspicion of theft and burglary in connection with the incident and has been released on bail pending further enquiries.