A boy who wanted to buy an Action Man dressing gown with some of his fifth birthday money lost the cash when he went shopping.

Mitchell Kerridge, of Finchingfield Way, Colchester, had £45 folded into his new red, yellow and green Velcro fastening wallet.

His mother Stephanie said Mitchell, a pupil of Monkwick Infants' School, and who is very short-sighted, had planned to spend the money on toys and the dressing gown during a shopping trip to Colchester on Sunday.

Stephanie said: "When we got to Argos I gave Mitchell his wallet as he wanted to buy some toys but then couldn't find anything."

They continued through the town passed Dorothy Perkins and Mothercare where they stopped to speak to some friends.

It was then that Mitchell told his mother he could not find his wallet and they spent almost a hour retracing their steps.

Stephanie said: "Mitchell is very upset and all he keeps saying is 'I'm so sorry'. I can't believe anyone could pocket this money as it was very obviously a child's wallet."

Anyone with information should contact Colchester police on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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