A heartbroken mother has appealed for the return of a video tape with precious footage of her son's wedding day.

The video camera containing the tape disappeared as family and friends celebrated at a reception held at the Coach House, Saling, near Braintree.

Linda Turner fears the camera along with irreplaceable footage of her son may have been stolen.

Malcolm Turner and Nicola Marshall were married at Felsted Church on September 19 and it is now a race against time to try to find the tape before the newlyweds return from their honeymoon.

"Luckily we have footage of the actual service taken on another camera but we have lost so many moments which can't be relived," said Mrs Turner.

She added: "We are not bothered about the camera - that can be replaced - but we are appealing for the safe return of the tape."

Precious moments of the bride and bridesmaid getting ready for the big day at home and in the garden have been lost along with informal snippets of guests arriving at the church and celebrating at the reception.

Mrs Turner said: "To think the camera has been stolen makes me feel sick."

She appealed for the camera or film to be left at the police station.

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