BURGLARS targeted the Bolton home of a critically ill youngster and stole a camera which contained photographs of what could be his last birthday.

Michelle Tonge, whose son Keir Platt suffers from a rare terminal genetic disorder, woke yesterday morning to find that her home had been ransacked.

Nearly £1,000 in cash and a Ford Escort van used by Keir's father, Martin Platt, for his painting and decorating business had been stolen.

Then they discovered that a digital camera containing snaps of Keir's seventh birthday last month, and the family's last holiday to Cornwall, had also been stolen.

The family are appealing to the thieves to return the digital camera, or at least the memory card, so they can be reunited with the cherished photographs.

Miss Tonge, a social worker who lives in Dryburgh Avenue, Astley Bridge, said: "This could be the last time Keir celebrates his birthday, so these photographs are so special to us.

"There are also pictures of a brilliant holiday that myself, Keir, Martin and Keir's sister, Erin, had last year.

"Everything else that has been stolen will cost thousands to replace, but the most important thing to us is the camera, which is absolutely priceless.

"Soon these images could be the only things we have to remember Keir by. We've been through so much already and this has left us heartbroken."

The van was later found abandoned in Wheeldale Close, Halliwell.

PC Danny Pugh, who is investigating the incident, said: "Burglaries are always extremely distressing, but this was particularly awful because of the sentimental value of the photos that were stolen.

"We would urge anyone who has any further information about this incident or who saw anything suspicious at the house, or in Wheeldale Close, to contact us."

Keir, who is a pupil at Holy Infant and St Anthony's Primary School, suffers from metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) and is one of only two children in Greater Manchester to have the condition.

It has deprived him of the ability to walk, talk or swallow, and he can no longer feed himself. It means he is unlikely to reach his teenage years.

Keir's symptoms first appeared when he was two years old and he began experiencing problems with his balance.

He deteriorated rapidly in December, 2004, and in the following June he started to suffer from mini-fits and was later diagnosed with MLD.

Anyone with any information about the burglary should call 0161 872 5050 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.