A charity collection van has been stolen - just weeks after it was bought to help fundraising efforts for people with Aids.

The bright yellow Leyland Daf vehicle, full of charity items like toys and furniture, was taken from Read Street, Clayton-le-Moors.

It was parked outside the home of David Ramsden, son of Kathleen Ramsden, 72, who runs Third World, High Street, Rishton.

Mrs Ramsden, of Victoria Street, Clayton-le-Moors, has been left devastated by the theft and is now appealing for the van's return, whose registration is J915 FDM.

Money raised at the charity shop goes to help children and adults with leprosy and Aids in Africa.

She said: "This has really upset me and knocked me for six. We had only had the van a couple of weeks. It didn't cost a great deal but it meant we could go and collect donations from people.

"We know the chances of getting it back in one piece aren't that great but we have to try."

Mrs Ramsden's daughter, Margaret Wood, 42, said: "This van was really important to my mum's charity because it allowed items to be collected from all over the area and all the items inside would have been sold in the shop.

"They haven't just stolen from us they have stolen from all the people that Third World helps through the money it raises."

Mrs Ramsden has run charity shops in Accrington and Clayton-le-Moors in the past and has donated money to local charities including Nightsafe, in Blackburn. Last year she raised more than £1,000 for charity.

Police confirmed the vehicle was taken between 8.30pm and 8.50pm Wednesday.

Anyone with any information on the theft should call police on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.