A DEVESTATED grandad’s plans to take his grandchildren on holiday have been thrown into doubt after thieves snatched his £20,000 motorhome from his driveway late at night.

David Cooper, a 71-year-old from Basildon, has owned the motorhome for almost 20 years after buying it to make precious memories with his family.

It was stolen from the Chalvedon Estate, in Pitsea, overnight on Monday and the theft is now being investigated by police.

Mr Cooper’s granddaughter, Jade Smith, has pleaded on his behalf for help to track down the motorhome for her grandad, who was due to take some of his grandchildren away next week.

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She said: “My grandad is devastated, which is even an understatement in itself.

“It is used as a holiday home, and we have had it as a family since 2003.

“It was bought by my nan and grandad, and after my nan passed away, my grandad used it every year to take us grandchildren away in the summer.

“He was due to go away in it next week too, as well as the week after, with some of his grandchildren.”

Ms Smith added the vehicle had a number of sentimental items belonging to her grandad’s late wife.

“It means everything to him,” she continued.

“Some of my nan’s items including her teddies, and her special cardigan are inside.

“It sounds silly but the whole thing holds the sentimental value, from just the plates to the CDs, to the games, everything we have had in there since my nan and grandad bought it.

“It all means so much to my family, especially my grandad who is heartbroken.”

The motorhome is white in colour, with a Crystal Palace Football Club badge on the back and sides.

The number plate is WU53 HGZ.

A spokesman for Essex Police said no arrests have yet been made and enquires are ongoing.

They said: “We were called to Travers Way in Pitsea yesterday morning, August 16, following reports of a caravan being stolen overnight.

“Enquiries remain ongoing, no arrests have been made and the caravan has not been located.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101.