A FAMILY is appealing for the return of a treasured mountain bike which a young carer relies on.

Michael Bodycombe, 12, discovered his ATB mountain bike had been taken from his home in St Swithins Avenue at the weekend. The young carer looks after his mother Kelly and father Simon, and relies on the bike to help out his parents.

Kelly said: "Michael is a registered young carer and he was absolutely devastated when we realised it had been stolen.

"His dad Simon is recovering after having an operation on his back, which wasn't particularly successful. I have suffered from depression and mental health problems for a long time, and Michael gives us both an awful lot of help and support at home.

"Michael needs his bike in order to and pick up prescriptions and things from town for us, because a lot of the time, we are not able to do so."

Kelly is appealing for the safe return of the bike. As well as relying on the bike to look after his parents, Michael uses it to get away from the stress of being a young carer.

"Some of the things Michael has to do for us are quite hard-going and an awful lot for a young child to go through" added Kelly.

"The bike was like an escapism thing too for him and an enjoyment thing. He would be able to go and meet up with his friends and not have to worry about some of the things he goes through.

"We just want whoever has taken it to understand how important it is to Michael and to us and just bring it back. We cannot afford to replace it at the moment as we both cannot work, and they are unfortunately not cheap."

Dorset Police are continuing to appeal for information into the theft.

A police spokesperson said: "Officers are investigating the theft of a burgundy coloured bicycle from a property on St Swithins Avenue, Bridport.

"The incident happened on Saturday, May 16 sometime between 11am and 9.22pm."

Witnesses and anyone with information should call 101.