A ST HELENS mum said it's "amazing how kind people can be" after winning the support of thousands of strangers when she launched an international search for her daughter's lost teddy Bobby.

Riane Martin, who asked for help on social media website Facebook after her daughter Sienna’s beloved bear was left on a plane, said the US firm that no longer makes the bear is sending them a replica from their collection.

The St Helens family were flying to Manchester after a holiday in Gran Canaria and beautician Riane believes the teddy was left on the flight they took from Las Palmas airport, or at one of the airports either side.

Tens of thousands of people have shared her #findbobbybear message on social media, which said Bobby bear had been with Sienna for three hospital operations. Airline company Jet2 also helped Riane publicise the search.

Former Rainhill High School pupil Riane said Sienna had cherished the bear from being a baby - Riane bought it on her honeymoon from The Midpoint Cafe on Route 66 in the USA.

Sienna, three, has Pierre Robin syndrome - she was born with a smaller-than-normal lower jaw meaning her tongue falls back in the throat.

On Facebook, Riane thanked people for their support, saying: "I am gutted we haven't found the original as he has been through a lot with Sienna. But the good news is we have been sent a replacement bear.

"That wasn't as easy as it sounds - as they haven't stocked this bear since 2014 and the man that made the bear no longer makes them.

"So Dennis from the Midpoint Cafe tracked down Chuck from the makers Cris Ta Bears Inc. He found he had an exact replica in his personal collection which he very kindly sent to us yesterday."

She added: "Two very kind men who have gone above and beyond for Sienna. This is going to be a very special and loved bear when he arrives. People have gone all out to help a little girl they have never met.

"Thank you again for everyone's help in searching for Bobby bear. We are totally overwhelmed and can't express our gratitude. It is amazing how kind people can be."

She also thanked a Coventry family and Charlie Bears Ltd for sending similar teddy bears for Sienna.