A DEVASTATED couple are desperate to get back priceless pictures of the birth of their first child after dad Simon Riley lost their digital camera on his way home.

The camera was packed with photos of their new baby Daniel’s first day and distraught Simon and Keren Riley say they do not care about what happens to the camera as long as they get the pictures back.

After spending the day with Keren and his new son, Simon left the Maternity Unit on Friday night laden with bags and gifts from friends and relatives and walked to his car in Seaton Place.

When he got to the car he realised that his small Casio Elixin camera was not with the bags.

But because he had so much to carry, he assumed that it was still at the hospital.

He went home and thought no more about it.

But when he returned to the hospital on Saturday morning the camera was not there.

Simon and his father frantically searched the hospital, retraced their steps and asked in shops and pubs in the area, but no one had seen it.

Simon said that the couple were devastated by the loss of the pictures.

‘I can’t think where it could be.

It’s a couple of years old and has sentimental value, but it’s the pictures that are priceless.

We can never get those photos back.

‘We are just asking anyone who has the camera to return the memory card, anonymously if they like.

We are desperate to get those pictures of Daniel’s first day.’ Anyone who picked up the camera, which could have been lost between Gloucester Street and Seaton Place, is asked to hand it in to police or contact 07797 731662.

camera is a Casio Elixir digital model in a black leather case.

The family have also offered a reward for its return.