A Maidstone woman was left devastated when she returned to pick up her bike only to find it had been stolen.

But bizarrely not only was the beloved blue mountain bike missing from the bicycle rack it had been locked to, a green fancy dress hat had been apparently left in its place.

Michaela Busch, who works as a hypnotherapist in Sandling Road, said: "This bike means a lot to me as it was brought into the country in 2009 when I relocated from Switzerland."

"I cycle to work every day and rely on this bike very much. Please help to bring my bike back as it is very special to me."

The bike is a Specialised Myka Pro Model 2006 in blue with a butterfly pattern. It was taken from a bike rack at Wallis Place in Hart Street between 5.50 and 7.30pm on Friday, April 29.

Anyone with any information on its whereabouts can contact Michaela Busch on 01622 231012 or email mb@michaelabusch.co.uk.

Alternatively, contact police on 101 quoting crime reference number YY-9019-16.