AN IPSWICH youngster who was left heartbroken when his pet rabbit was stolen is a happy bunny again today after he received two baby lop-ears.Four-year-old Charlie Newby, of Howe Avenue, was devastated when he discovered his beloved Alfie had disappeared from his pen last month.

AN IPSWICH youngster who was left heartbroken when his pet rabbit was stolen is a happy bunny again today after he received two baby lop-ears.

Four-year-old Charlie Newby, of Howe Avenue, was devastated when he discovered his beloved Alfie had disappeared from his pen last month.

His mum contacted The Evening Star to see if anyone had any information and scoured pet shops for evidence of his whereabouts.

The Star even offered a reward to find the bunny-napper responsible for Alfie's disappearance.

But one month on and Alfie is still lost. Howver, Charlie is smiling again after a reader saw his plight and offered him a new rabbit.

Jack Goodwin, 70, of Glamorgan Road, Ipswich, breeds rabbits and felt Charlie was a worthy contender for a brown and white fluffy bundle.

Mr Goodwin said: "The reason why I decided to give him the rabbit is because he was so upset. I read the story in the Evening Star and was very touched. To think someone could go into the back garden and steal a rabbit.

"However can people do this sort of thing, especially to children - Charlie must have been heartbroken."

Mr Goodwin got in touch with Charlie's mum Emma Albin as soon as he read the story but the youngster had to wait for the rabbit to be old enough before he could take him home.

She took Charlie along to meet the bunny and the pair were so taken with the litter they came home baby Annie and her sister Jodie.

The first was a gift while the fee for the second was put in a tin for St Elizabeth's Hospice.

Miss Albin said: "He loves them. He was upset about losing Alfie but he is a lot better now he has a new one. He is playing with them a lot and brings them indoors so they can get used to him."