A CHARITY champion is heartbroken after his rare scooter was snatched by thieves.

Kevin Lawton, known as Ginger, has travelled all around Europe on his distinctive blue Lambretta scooter for nearly 20 years with no problems.

But his pride and joy, worth an estimated £12,000, was stolen from outside the Cross Guns pub in Bolton Road, Westhoughton — less than a mile from his home.

Mr Lawton, an HGV driver for Manchester based Deben Transport, is the founder of Ginger’s Easter Egg Run, which delivers eggs to patients at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital each year.

The event, which has been running for nearly 30 years, sees hundreds of bikers get together and travel from Lowton to Manchester.

The father-of-two said: “I thought someone was taking the mick when I realised it was gone but I looked around and I couldn’t see it in the car park.

“Only 200 of the scooters were made for the British market. The scooter is Italian. It can’t be sold unless it is stripped down as I am well known around the country in scooter groups and in Europe. The scooter means everything to me. It’s part of the family.”

He said the scooter is very distinctive with Union Flag markings and an embroidered Glasgow Rangers badge on the seat along with other badges for the club.

The scooter was stolen on Saturday, September 14 between 7pm and 8.30pm.

Mr Lawton said: “Whoever took it, give it back please. I don’t have a car, I only have scooters. I am insured but I will never get a scooter like that again.”

The scooter had a steering lock on it but Mr Lawton believes it may have been taken away in a van.

People in scooter groups all over the country are trying to find it. Anyone with information can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.