A thief has stolen a laptop computer belonging to a partially sighted child during Christmas celebrations at his school.

Ben Watson, six, of Burnopfield, near Stanley, County Durham, only has partial sight in one eye and needs the laptop if he is to remain at a conventional school.

Police believe that during a Christmas party at Burnopfield Primary School the thief mingled with parents before stealing the computer, worth about £1,600.

Ben's parents Bill and Tandy appealed for its return.

"Whoever took it probably knows us and knows Ben, which makes it harder to understand," said Mrs Watson.

The machine has a picture of Ben playing on a garden swing as on the screen as a background image. It also has voice-recognition and magnification software called Lunar Plus.

"Whoever has pinched it will know it is Ben's the minute they turn it on," said Mrs Watson.

Ben, who has glaucoma, lost the sight in his left eye in April. The PC was donated to him in September by the Communications Aid Project, which helps children with special educational needs.

Police believe the laptop was stolen on Tuesday when parents and other relatives were at the school for a carol service and party.

Headteacher John Rymaszewski said: "The sad part is, it looks like whoever took it has a relationship with the school."

The computer is a Toshiba SPM10, with a 17in screen and has the serial number 73651712G.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Stanley police, on (01207) 232144.