A BOY with spina bifida has been devastated after his specially designed tricycle was stolen from his back garden.

The three-wheeled bike gives Barry Laing, who spends most of his days in a wheelchair, some independence.

But the hand-propelled bike, which was a gift to the 12-year-old, was stolen from his garden in Ullswater Avenue, Darlington.

Barry's mother, Jacqui Keenan, said staff and customers at The Grey Horse pub, in Darlington, raised £400 to buy the green and white bike about two years ago.

"When I went into the garden on Saturday I noticed that it had gone and rang the police," she said.

"Barry is really upset. He only has his wheelchair or his bike."

Miss Keenan, who works at The Nags Head pub, said the bike allowed her son to play like other children.

"It is insured, but that is not the point. It was given as a gift and it is of no use to anyone else," she said.

The bike was taken between Thursday night and Saturday morning. Anyone with information is asked to call police on (01325) 467681.