THIEVES have ruined a cerebral palsy sufferer's summer holiday by taking the family caravan hours before he was due to go away.

Daniel Greengrow, 19, who is also autistic, had been looking forward to flying his collection of kites in the New Forest. But his holiday plans were left in tatters when the £10,000 caravan - packed with his kites and his belongings - disappeared from outside his grandparent’s home in Stonestile Road, Headcorn, early last Thursday.

His grandmother, Ann Greengrow, said: “It was a struggle to get the caravan for him and now it has gone it’s just so, so sad. Daniel is really upset because his mum had bought him some new clothes especially for the trip.

"We just don’t know who would do something like that - everyone knows and loves Dan.”

The week-long holiday to a centre for youngsters with special needs had been due to start last Wednesday. But Daniel's mother Lesley, 42, of St James’s Road, Tunbridge Wells, was forced to postpone the trip by a day after Daniel’s younger brother, Matthew, broke his ankle in a motorbike accident.

Mrs Greengrow said the theft had affected her grandson. "Dan’s not the same person - he doesn’t go out and he’s on tenterhooks," she said.

"He keeps checking that all the windows are locked and saying that there are people outside. He needs to feel secure and this hasn’t helped.”

Daniel’s parents had saved for months two years ago to buy their son the white Fleetwood 500 caravan with a green stripe down both sides. It contained a portable television, hi-fi system and an electric razor valued at £60 which Daniel had bought with his pocket money.

Anyone with information should ring the police on 01622 690690.