THIEVES stole a motorised mobility scooter worth £2,500 as a disabled man who had borrowed it shopped inside a town centre store.

The 40-year-old had picked up the Lark 4 scooter from Bolton's Shop Mobility service in Le Mans Crescent before using it to travel through the town centre.

He parked it outside Woolworths in Deansgate and took the keys with him -- but returned to find it missing. Today voluntary workers at the Government and Bolton Council-funded service, which has 25 scooters available for shoppers free of charge, appealed for its return.

Worker Joyce Hutchinson said: "It is unbelievable. All the scooters have been donated and I would appeal to anyone who knows where it is to contact police.

"It is a blow for shoppers because it is one person who will not be able to use our service."

The motorised scooter comes complete with basket and rain cover.

Police have confirmed they are investigating the theft at 1.30pm last Friday. Contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or Police on 0161 872 5050.