A TEENAGE girl recovering from serious illness has been left devastated after thieves stole a laptop computer which has "priceless sentimental value".

Police are hunting the burglars who broke into Alex Eland's home in Harding Terrace, Darlington, to steal a Samsung VM8000 computer.

Alex, 16, who is recovering from Hodgkin's disease, got the machine two years ago after she was nominated for a Bravehearts of the North-East award at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary.

The computer contains pictures of Alex's visit to Newcastle United, where she got to meet some of the country's top football stars.

The break-in, which happened some time between 10am and 5pm last Thursday, came as another blow to the teenager, who was told earlier last week that she could not continue a childcare course at Darlington College of Technology.

Her attendance has fallen below the minimum required.

Worse still, the assignments she would need for a reference for another course are also stored on the computer.

Her mother, Maureen, said: "Alex is absolutely devastated, and is frightened, because she saw some people hanging around the house earlier in the day.

"We are hopeful it can be returned because she was chuffed to bits when she got it."

Alex, who still sees four different specialists as her recovery continues, also had a satchel stolen which was specially designed as she has restricted movement in her shoulder.

Mrs Eland said: "There was no sign of a break-in, so we are puzzled as to how they got in and out, but the police forensics teams did find a footprint in my bedroom."

Detective Sergeant Peter Hutchinson, of Darlington police, condemned the thieves and urged anyone with information to come forward.

He said: "It was a particularly heartless crime to steal from a youngster who has worked so hard to earn something like this."

Anyone with information is urged to contact Darlington police on (01325) 467681.