A NINE-YEAR-OLD boy has made a desperate plea for help to passing motorists and walkers after his favourite Christmas present went missing.

Daniel Turnock, of Knowlesly Meadows, Darwen, was devastated when his new radio-controlled glider, his main present from his mum and dad, flew out of control and disappeared towards Hoddlesden on Christmas morning.

He was so upset at losing the model plane, his parents made a big banner headed 'Lost child's model plane' and containing their telephone number, which they fixed to a fence at the junction of Marsh House Lane and Roman Road.

They are now hoping someone may have found the plane while out walking and can return it to Daniel who has been left with just an empty box and the remote control.

Daniel's mum, Christine, said: "He's really upset about it. He'd wanted one for ages and he told me that it had been his best Christmas present. He even said he hadn't slept Christmas Eve because he was so excited knowing that's what we had bought him.

"He only had it a few hours. Daniel and his dad went out on Christmas morning on to the fields at Blacksnape because he couldn't wait to try it out.

"They were going great guns until my husband tried to turn the plane and it wouldn't turn. Before they knew what was happening, it had crossed Roman Road and was making its way towards Hoddlesden.

"They tried to look for it and couldn't find it, and then the snow arrived and they had no chance.

"They've been back out since to have another look but there was no sign of it.

"It was an expensive present but it's worse knowing how upset Daniel is about it.

"We decided to make the banner in the hope that someone might come across it and get in touch. I just hope it hasn't crashed into someone's conservatory."

Anyone with information about the plane is asked to contact Christine on 01254 703781.