Heartless thieves stole a support worker's pride and joy and her only mode of transport whilst she was visiting a client in Witham.

Tracey Townley's Piaggio Vespa scooter was taken from the car park near the shopping area in Spa Road, Witham, between 7pm and 8.30pm on Sunday.

"It is my main mode of transport and without that I cannot get to people to do my job," Mrs Townley said.

"I absolutely love my job. It is hard work and long hours, and sometimes you feel like giving up, but it is rewarding.

"I travel all around Witham and as far as Braintree, helping people of all ages.

"I called my bike Sheila and I treated it as if it was a person.

"Everyone laughs at me for naming her, but she means so much to me."

When the bike was stolen, Mrs Townley was visiting a regular client in Spa Road, providing her with the support she needs to continue living in her own home.

She said: "When I realised it had been stolen I went back into the clients home and she rang the police for me

"I was really upset and I was walking around the car park checking I had not parked it somewhere else.

"At times in the past people have moved my bike so I thought that might have happened again.

"I had no way of getting home. I had to walk and it was pouring with rain."

Sheila is covered with stickers and decals and Mrs Townley hopes someone may have seen the distinctive bike being ridden in the area since it was stolen.

"It is a proper little Mods bike, I have had people come up to me and ask for a picture with her," she said.

"For me she went that extra mile, she is like a friend."

The vehicle was spotted driving down Spa Road, towards Witham town centre, after it was taken.

Essex Police confirmed they are investigating the theft.

A spokesman said: "If you have any information please call us on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/33535/18 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."