A PROMISING young English fencer is appealing for help after her entire kit was stolen from her car in Bolton town centre.

Angela Bilardi, aged 19, who is due to fly out with the British squad on Thursday to take part in Sicily in the world junior fencing championships, was enjoying a night out with friends when thieves struck.

She had parked her black Volkswagen Polo in Silverwell Street and when she returned in the early hours of Sunday a window had been smashed and her red and white kit bag was missing.

Angela, of Sharples, said: "It is very distinctive. It is a metre long and 40 cms wide and had my name on the side."

Inside was £1,000 worth of equipment, including three weapons, a mask, fencing trainers, two metal jackets, an England tracksuit and a fencing jacket.

She said: "The kit is useless to anyone else. It is all custom made and specific to fit me."

It is Angela's first time fencing with the British squad. The former pupil at Turton High School took up the sport three years ago and won a bronze medal for England in the Commonwealth junior championships.

Anyone with any information about the missing kit is asked to contact police.