A WIRRAL family is hoping for the safe return of their much-loved campervan after is was stolen from outside their house.

The distinctive red VW campervan has accompanied Alexandra Badwi and her family across Europe and the UK with the mum calling it a "home from home".

She said: "It was stolen at around 3am on Thursday, April 4 from outside our house on Elgin Drive in New Brighton. 

"We live at the top of the hill and we think they've probably free-wheeled it down to the bottom where they've tried to start it. 

"People have said they made a right racket and the last they saw of it was it was being driven towards the prom but we don't know if they went left or right from there.

"We had put it on the road to charge because it was going for its MOT that day."

The family have travelled extensively in the van which is coveted by VW collectors.

"We've been to around eight different European countries in it as well as Wales and Scotland with our two girls," said Alexandra, who added the van is left hand drive as it is originally from Belgium. 

Wirral Globe:

"It has double glazing so we've been able to go out in it in inclement weather and been really comfortable. 

"We've been blown away with the support we've had from the community since it was stolen and we've had hundreds of shares on social media."

Anyone who spots the VW Campervan or has any information about is whereabouts is asked to DM Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook or call 101.