The owner of an outdoor activities company is appealing for help after his 23ft climbing wall was stolen.

A white Transit van was seen towing the mobile unit in Swale Way, Sittingbourne, yesterday afternoon.

The wall, which was mounted on a trailer, was stolen from Bayford Meadows Kart Circuit on the Eurolink Industrial Estate in Sittingbourne where it was being stored.

It was later seen on the M2 in the Medway area heading London-bound.

Paul Oxberry, of Creed Outdoor Learning, said: "I'm gutted. Everyone keeps saying 'Why would anyone want to steal a climbing wall?'

"It's such a one-off item. I know of one other in the whole of the south east.

"I can't understand why anyone would take it."

Mr Oxberry bought the equipment about seven years ago for £15,000.

It is used by about 4,000 youngsters every year.

The theft is the latest setback for the firm after being forced to find a new base.

The wall was previously kept at Bexon Lane Scout campsite in Bredgar.

It had been stored at the kart track as a favour for only about a month.

"Hopefully I will get it back," said Mr Oxberry, of Faversham, who set up Creed Outdoor Learning about eight years ago.

"We had said it would be out and about at parks in Swale during the February half term.

"It was also due to be used at a school later this month.

"It's a massive setback. We had to find a new home and now something else goes wrong."

Anyone who can help should call police on 101 quoting crime reference 12-0714.

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