A HOLIDAYMAKER has been left heartbroken after losing two years of precious photographic memories, when she accidentally left her camera in Budleigh Salterton.

A HOLIDAYMAKER has been left heartbroken after losing two years of precious photographic memories, when she accidentally left her camera in Budleigh Salterton.

Anne Wring, 67, from Bristol, had been in Budleigh with her husband, Roger, also 67, when she forgot to pick up her silver Olympus digital camera, which was hanging from the arm of a bench on the seafront, while the couple enjoyed the view.

Mrs Wring is 'devastated' by the loss and is appealing for anyone who may have picked up the camera, to hand it back.

She is so desperate to be reunited with her precious snaps - which include pictures of her grandchildren when they were growing up, and photos of her son's now-deceased dogs - she is offering a reward.

Roger Wring said: "We never thought something like this could happen. We knew we could download them, but my wife enjoyed flicking through the camera, watching through the little screen. She was happy doing that.

"We never thought we would have an accident or lose the camera.

"My wife is ever so upset about it. It is two years of family photos. She is desperate to get it back and was inconsolable for about a week."

Mrs Wring lost her camera at the end of last month after she and her husband stopped off in Budleigh on the way back from Beer. Mrs Wring took a photo of the seafront, then sat on one of the benches, wrapping the camera strap around the armrest.

But when they went to get a cup of coffee, the pair accidentally left the camera hanging on the bench.

The couple, who have a timeshare in Exmouth and have holidayed in the town for the last 15 years, realised the camera was missing the following day.

Mrs Wring said: "I had nearly two years of precious family memories - all irreplaceable. Although we retraced our steps, no-one had handed it in.

"I would be eternally grateful if someone has found it or knows where it can be located."

* Have you seen Mrs Wring's camera? Contact the Journal on (01392) 888507.