INTERNATIONAL orienteer Heather Munro is at a loss after thieves stole vital equipment, including her custom-made trainers.

The thieves struck in County Durham days before she is to travel to Japan to prepare for the next leg of the sport's world championships.

Ms Monro, 33, of Durham, who has won five open British Championship titles, said her gear had been stolen from her car at Edmundbyers, on the Northumberland/County Durham border on Sunday.

She said: "My partner and I had left the car for about 45 minutes.

"When we returned, we found someone had prised open the lock with a screwdriver and had taken a sports holdall with all my equip- ment.

"It is vital to me because it is specialist equipment and will be of absolutely no use to anyone else.

"The trainers have special metal spikes built into them and they had special orthotic insoles which were made specifically for me.

"Without them, I find it difficult to run or compete without being injured - they were made for my biomechanics and will fit only me. It is gutting."

Other equipment taken included an orienteering compass, electronic timing device and a heart monitor.

Ms Monro said: "The most annoying thing is that I am going to Japan this week to train with the British team and I have no way of replacing the equipment before I leave.

"I'll have to scrape together bits and bobs and borrow things.

"New orthotic insoles will have to be rushed to the airport to reach me on time."

Ms Monro has urged anyone who has the equipment to return it or has information to inform the police.