A STOLEN mini digger has been recovered thanks to a sharp eyed member of the public.

The person spotted the digger hidden out of sight in a field in the Tintinhull area last night.

It had been stolen from the South Petherton area.

Police recovered it and have now returned it to the rightful owner.

A South Somerset Neighbourhood Police spokesperson said: "Thanks to a vigilant member of the public officers have today recovered a stolen mini digger and trailer.

"This was recovered from the Tintinhull area and was left in a field out of sight.

"Please do ring us if you see anything suspicious as sometimes it leads to great results.

"With help from our local communities we will continue to tackle rural crime."

A tweet from the force's rural affairs unit said: "Mini Digger and trailer recovered last night by officers on patrol.

"Digger stolen in South Petherton area and returned.

"Keep an eye out for abandoned plant and trailers - report to 101."