The owner of a stolen campervan has launched an emotional plea for the vehicle’s return after revealing it was bought as a tribute to her late mother.

Snodland resident Sara Gelder is appealing for any information that might lead to her being reunited with her beloved motorhome, Betsy.

The 23 ft, 3.8 tonne vehicle was bought with inheritance money left to Mrs Gelder after her mother Mary passed away in 2008 and was intended to commemorate the 88-year-old’s wanderlust.

Mrs Gelder’s mother named every vehicle she owned Betsy and the camper’s name was in honour of this.

It was taken from outside her home in Willowside just after 10pm last Tuesday, with several witnesses seeing it towed along Malling Road and out towards Vigo.

The 55-year-old who suffers from chronic fatigue syndrome said: “My mum used to be known as back roads Mary because she’d never take the main route and would always go off the beaten track. When she left us the money we wanted to get something in her memory, I know she would approve of the campervan.”

The vehicle was being used to store items including Mrs Gelder’s spare wheelchair and antique books that had been given to her son by his late grandmother.

Mary Gelder lived in America and her daughter uprooted from California to Snodland in 2004.

Police have today released CCTV images of two vehicles connected with the theft.

A dark 4x4 can be seen towing the campervan along Holborough road just after 10pm.

Sergeant Neil Finchsaid: "The motorhome was reportedly stolen from Willowside in Snodland on January 27.

"It is described as a white Ford motorhome with Roller Team written on the front. The vehicle registration number is GX03 ONF.

"Following behind is a Vauxhall Vitaro van, with sign writing on the side, heading south along Holborough Road towards Constitution Hill."

Mrs Gelder said: “Even though I did not get to use the vehicle that much recently due to my illness, it still represented hope for me to be able to get away from this small corner of Snodland and experience the rest of the country.

“With Betsy we could pull over and I could take a rest which we couldn’t do with a car because it was too uncomfortable for me, and it was also a way of getting around expensive hotel bills.

“Every time I think of Betsy being gone it brings back painful memories of mum. Getting her back would mean the world.”

If anyone has any information please contact police on 101.