A CHEF, whose car was broken into, has appealed to the thieves to return discs containing recipes.

Lee Stainthorpe lost a laptop and digital camera worth £1,500 when his blue Rover 200 was broken into on Sunday, but it is his computer discs he is desperate to get back.

Mr Stainthorpe, 32, who lives in Lockerbie, in Scotland, was visiting his family and friends in Darlington when his car, which was parked in Victoria Embankment, was broken into between 7pm and 8pm.

"There was my laptop and camera but they are covered by the insurance," he said.

"What I cannot replace is the six discs that were with them. They contain recipes and work by a student I am working with at Darlington College of Technology, so they are worthless to anyone else, but I really need to get them back."

Witnesses saw three youths on BMX bikes throw a brick through the car window, as it was parked near the entrance to South Park. They were all wearing tracksuits and baseball caps, and rode off in the direction of Skerne Park.

Anyone with information or who would like to return the discs can contact Darlington police on (01325) 467681.