A MAN is appealing for help to recover a stolen trailer which is used to transport his disabled wife's mobility scooter.

The 66-year-old, from Lynn Road, in Spennymoor, was devastated when he discovered the trailer had been stolen from outside their home at the weekend.

The couple, who do not want to be named, use the trailer on the back of their car to take her mobility scooter with them on days out.

He said without the trailer, his 67-year-old wife, who has used a wheelchair since suffering three strokes in 2005, and is awaiting two hip replacements, would be housebound.

He said: "We put her scooter on the trailer and go off for the day - we need it to go anywhere.

"I have heart problems so can't push her in a wheelchair.

"Our days out, even just to car boot fairs and markets, are important respite for us both."

Police are appealing for information about the theft, which occurred between Saturday and Sunday lunchtime.

The single axle trailer is reddish-brown, 9ft long and 3ft wide, has a tailgate ramp with lights and one silver and one black mudguard.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Peter Hutchinson at Spennymoor CID on 0845-60-60-365.