A “GUTTED” Sidford grandmother has pleaded for the return of a lost camera containing cherished family memories- including snaps of a son risking life and limb in Afghanistan.

Marie Howe, 52, thinks she misplaced the silver Pentax Optio 550 in a red case near the entrance to Jacob’s Ladder in Peak Hill Road, near Connaught Gardens, last Thursday.

The camera contains the only copy of photos taken when son Aaron visit home for the first time since he was stationed in the Middle East.

Royal Logistics driver Aaron, 23, had been boosted by the camera while at Camp Bastian as Marie regularly posted pictures of his newborn niece onto Facebook.

“He loves looking at the photos,” said the Sidford High Street resident, “When he came home I was taking photos of the whole family and the new baby. We had a big party at home for him.

“I’ve got all my photo’s on there, including ones of him in uniform when he went back to Brides Norton.

“I though if they someone him in his uniform they may hand it in.

“It’s just the pictures that are important.”

The camera also contains photos of Marie’s first grandchild, born just weeks ago.

Police have asked whoever found the camera to return it to the Sidmouth’s Temple Street station.

Contact police with information on 08452 777444.