A COUPLE from York who are both amongst the UK’s best in the game of petanque have appealed to thieves to return equipment stolen from their car.

Angie Gaughan, 53, and her husband, John, also 53, are both due to compete in major tournaments this weekend but have both had their sets of boules stolen from their car.

The vehicle was broken into on Saturday night in the Wetherby Road area of the city.

Petanque is a French sport similar to English bowls and is played with a set of chrome balls similar in size to a tennis balls.

Mrs Gaughan has represented Great Britain and said the stolen boules were specially designed for her.

She said: “I’m sure it is just kids and they will have flung them somewhere.

“They were in a red bag about two-foot high with a zip across the front and top.”

She said if the boules were not returned she faces competing in this weekend’s Ladies Top Eight competition in Berkshire using a spare damaged set.

If you can help phone Mrs Gaughan on 077 345 833 99.