A mother has issued an appeal for the return of her daughter’s camera which contains irreplaceable photos.

Her seven-year-old daughter left a small bag containing the camera in a taxi when the family were returning from a birthday party.

The camera contains photos the little girl took after her dad was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in August.

Rachel Strongitharm and her family were returning to the Arinza Hotel, Mansfield Road, Ilford.

Mrs Strongitharm, of Suffolk, said: “All we are asking is that whoever might have picked up the handbag from the taxi, they are welcome to keep the camera, but we would be so grateful for the memory card back that has all the photos on.”

Her daughter left her handbag in the taxi which contained the �30 blue Fuji camera.

The family had been to a friend’s 90th birthday party, at the Moby Dick pub, Eastern Avenue Dagenham.

She added: “I have no other chance to get some precious memories back.”

If you have any information about the location of the camera contact police on 101.