A DISABLED charity fundraiser who travelled the length of Britain today told of his disgust after his 'lifeline' was stolen from his trusted scooter when he made a trip to Burnley.

Tony Palmer, 58, who suffers from epilepsy, angina and arthritis in his spine and legs, said his mobile phone was taken on Saturday afternoon.

Tony, who uses a motorised scooter to get about is hoping to shame the thief responsible into handing back his mobile phone.

The veteran charity fundraiser, of Moorland Road, Burnley, stores his mobile phone on his scooter.

Tony says said he went into Wilkinsons store on St James Street, when he realised his phone was missing.

Tony said: "I can't believe that somebody would be so callous. It had not dropped out because it was fastened in securely, so it must have been taken when I wasn't paying attention.

"This person should have their fingers chopped off for doing something like this. I feel appalled that this has happened, I have lost not only my lifeline but many old friends' contact numbers which I had stored in the phone."

He added: "I need the mobile phone in case I break down, which I have done on several occasions. I can't walk far so if I do break down I am stuck."

A qualified baker and confectioner, Mr Palmer moved to Burnley from Staffordshire with his wife Alice and two daughters 10 years ago.

He has not worked for 28 years because of his condition but has raised thousands for charity and also navigated the TT course on the Isle of Man, when he was given an official start by veteran comedian Norman Wisdom.

He first travelled from John O' Groats to Lands End three years ago and completed the trip in both directions again in 2000.

He added: "I want to shame this person into handing my phone back. It is useless now because I contacted the company who have blocked the phone to ensure nobody else can use it.

"If this person has any kind of conscience then they will hand it in to the police."

A police spokesman said: "We have received a report from Mr Palmer and feel very sorry about what has happened.

"We would urge people to be extra careful when it comes to mobile phone security."