STAFF at a clinic are on the lookout for a skeleton - after thieves walked off with theirs!

The skeleton, worth around £250, disappeared from the Darwen Physiotherapy Clinic in August and has not been seen since. Now staff are appealing for a replacement.

The skeleton was paid for by ex-patients and money from a fund-raising campaign in the town.

The clinic cannot afford to replace the model and is asking anyone - former medical students, nurses, doctors, medical organisations - who may have an old, unwanted skeleton in a cupboard!

Mary Slomka, a physiotherapy assistant at the clinic, said: "We used the model skeleton for teaching physiotherapists on courses, and to inform patients.

"We simply haven't got that facility anymore, and we have not been able to replace it."

On a brighter note, the clinic has raised £300 for new equipment, thanks to the help of patients and staff.

Three "Catalogue Ken" evenings were held at Highfield Working Men's Club, in Ratcliffe Street, and £100 was raised at each from the sale of clothes, a raffle and admission on the night.

The money has been used to buy two portable pain relief machines that can be loaned to patients. The clinic will also be buying two medical reference books.

Anyone who has an unwanted skeleton can telephone the clinic on 01254 703151.

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