A disabled pensioner who struggles to walk had his mobility scooter stolen from outside his home.

Keith Murray parked his scooter - which he uses to travel to and from the shops - outside his house on Olive Lane, Darwen, at around 8pm on Wednesday.

But on Thursday afternoon when he went to leave the house to do some shopping, he found his only mode of transport had vanished.

Speaking to the Telegraph on Monday, Mr Murray said: "Every time I want to leave the house now, I can only walk a few yards and I have to stop.

"I've no transport, but I need to go to the shops for my food and things."

The 73-year-old, who is unsteady on his feet and can only walk a few yards without feeling breathless, said he is now having to take taxis everywhere, which are costing him a fortune.

Mr Murray also said he hates being housebound and relies on his scooter, which cost more than £1,500, to get him out and about.

He said: "I went to Bolton the other day in a taxi and I had a look at some scooters but they would cost about £1,200 and I can't afford that amount of money.

"I only had my scooter about eight months, and I just want it back so I can get out on my own."

The Darwen pensioner, who uses an inhaler, and lives off his state pension, said he's reported the theft to the police.

He added: "I like to get out and about you see and now I can't. I live at the top of a hill and can't even get to the local shop.

"I'm just hoping someone knows where it is and takes it in to the police."

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Mr Murray's mobility scooter can contact the police on 101 quoting log reference 0482 of February 10.