AN elderly couple are appealing for the return of their stolen bicycle, which they say is a lifeline.

Lawrence and Marion James rely heavily on their bicycle for shopping, pension, pharmacy, GP surgery and other essential trips.

The bike was stolen from outside a shop while Mr James was shopping one mile from his home on Norgrett Way, Portchester, near Fareham, last Saturday.

He has carefully looked after his maroon Claude Butler bike since he bought it two years ago because it is his only mode of transport and he uses it every day. Mrs James, suffers from angina and various ailments, so she cannot leave the house and needs her husband to fetch her pills.

Mr James said: "It's a big blow to us to lose our only way of getting around. That's why the bike was such a lifeline. It took me three hours to go shopping and really exhausts me.

"We're appealing for whoever took our bike to return it.

"They didn't realise how important it is to us, but if they read this then perhaps they will."

Police can be contacted with help in catching the culprits on 0845 045 4545.

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