A WOMAN who suffered from agoraphobia - fear of open spaces - is offering a "substantial reward" for the return of photographs stolen from her car at the weekend.

Rachel King (28) lives in Stockport but was staying at her mother's house in Leach Lane, Sutton Leach, when she discovered the theft. She had parked her car - a white Ford Escort - in nearby Ilfracombe Road overnight on Saturday, with a rucksack containing the 40 photos lying on the back seat. When she went to pick the car up on Sunday morning, she discovered the break-in.

She told the Star: "I have only recently recovered from agoraphobia which I suffered from for almost 10 years. During this period I also became very ill with an acute form of psoriasis and the photographs were taken for medical reasons.

"The first time I actually left the house was when I needed three months hospital treatment for my condition.

"These pictures are the only record I have of my life during that period and I am absolutely devastated that they have been stolen. They were recently commissioned by Granada TV with a view to making a documentary about me and are of no possible use to anyone else.

"I am deperate to get them back and I am prepared to offer a substantial reward for their safe return."

The A4-sized photographs are all in colour and feature various close-up shots of Rachel's face and scalp, head-on and in profile. They were in a royal blue folder with each one stored in individual plastic pockets. The rucksack in which they were kept was a small, green canvas one made by Walker's.

ANYONE with information can call St Helens 818482, or ring Rachel Herrity at the Star on 611861.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.