A TEENAGER who has had her moped stolen says she has lost her lifeline.

Imogen Speakman, of Brinkworth, parked the vehicle outside her friend's home, in Ravenglass Road, Westlea, on Friday, February 3.

But by 10am the following morning the Yamaha, registration VW50 NG, which had been won in the Advertiser's 2004 Bid To Win competition, had gone.

The 17-year-old is now appealing for anyone who knows where it might be to help her find it.

"I am gutted that someone has taken it," said Imogen, who works at Shaw Ridge.

"I really am devastated that it has gone missing. The moped was my lifeline for getting around."

She now has to rely on her mum, Claire Trewin, and friends to drive her around.

"I feel like I am imposing on them thoughand don't want to do it," she said.

"I just want the people who took it to realise that without my friends supporting me, without the moped I wouldn't have a job as I would not be able to get there.

"I hope they realise what they've done."

Mrs Trewin won the moped in the competition in which people had to collect pounds' printed in the paper.

They could then bid for one of the prizes up for grabs.

She decided to give the moped to her daughter because it was something she had always wanted.

"This moped has been a real lifeline to Imogen but some lowlife has stolen it," she said.

"She is doing all she can to try and find it she has reported it to the police, she is asking friends if they have seen it and is putting up posters.

"She is devastated, as you can probably imagine."

It is thought the moped, which is worth £1,300, was taken sometime between 3am and 5.30am on Saturday, February 4.

"It had been parked outside all of the Friday evening when my friend and I went out," said Imogen.

"It was still there when we got home but when I went outside the next morning it was done."

Police confirmed the bike had been stolen from outside the house.

Anyone who saw anything or has any other information about the moped's theft is asked to contact Swindon police on 0845 408 7000.