A FORMER Winter Olympian has appealed for the safe return of his toboggans after they were stolen by thieves.

The two racing toboggans were taken from outside the home of Keith Schellenberg, in Richmond, on the night of January 22.

Mr Schellenberg, 75, was a member of the 1956 British Winter Olympic bobsleigh team and the 1964 toboggan team.

He said: "It was a bit of a shock to find them gone. But I was lucky they didn't take the toboggans I used in the Olympics."

The pensioner used the equipment stolen to train youngsters.

He has warned the thieves to be careful if they decide to use the toboggans.

He said: "In 1964, I was the only member of the British team to finish the course - one man ended up in hospital and the other in the mortuary. Let that be a lesson to these people.

"They are also very difficult to disguise and could easily be spotted if used."

Mr Schellenberg, from Middlesbrough, previously made the news after upsetting residents living on the tiny Scottish island of Eigg.

Mr Schellenberg bought the Hebridean island in 1975.

But, the islanders were unhappy with the arrangement and in 1994 launched a public appeal for cash to obtain ownership from the absentee landlord.

Relations turned sour when a mystery fire destroyed the millionaire's 1929 Rolls Royce.

Anyone with information on the theft should call the police on (0845) 6060247.