Couple set to embark on gap year with a twist in Elddis motorhome

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by Joe Jeffrey

Karen and David give up day jobs to travel to Spain in Elddis Encore 254

When we think of of the term ‘gap year’, we often think of pre-uni students travelling to far-flung places abroad. But for one couple, rather than the teenagers you might expect, Karen and David are fully-formed grown-ups, with established careers, not to mention, bricks and mortar!

Like a growing number of their peers Karen and David have itchy feet. A deep-seated Wanderlust coupled with a ‘get the most out of life’ philosophy that has led to the bold move to take a ‘Mid-Life Gap Year’ – all thanks to Elddis.

In their Fifties and together for over ten years, Karen and David are counting down to a year on the road in a brand new Elddis Encore motorhome, on a voyage of discovery around Spain.

The couple were fortunate enough to take a nine-month round the world trip when they first got together, a highlight of which was exploring New Zealand by motorhome – a first for both of them. This original motorhome adventure left a long-lasting impression on the pair, as Karen and David revealed.

“We feel that there is no better way to completely immerse yourself in a place than to explore it at leisure, by road,” Karen and David said.

Fast-forward a decade and Karen is working her notice as a Financial Controller at a major Russian news agency, as is David who is an experienced IT Manager. Their house is to be rented out, their finances are in order . and their gleaming new Elddis motorhome is about to reach the end of the production line!

Inspired by Rick Stein, the couple from County Durham plan to follow in his footsteps on a culinary quest to discover all that Spain has to offer in an Elddis motorhome. Aiming to get off the beaten track and uncover the less-explored areas of the country, blogging and Tweeting as they go. “If we inspire others thinking of making the leap too, that would be a great thing,” David said.

Of the adventure, Rachel Moncrieff, marketing manager at Elddis said: “David and Karen are not seasoned motorhomers, not by any means. Everything about this trip is a new experience – and a steep learning curve.

“David and Karen are going to blog throughout their year-long trip – essentially showing other potential motorhomers exactly what’s involved and what the benefits of having a motorhome can be.

“Whether it’s taking a motorhome on a ferry, pitching up at a campsite or negotiating a foreign city – we feel Karen and David can share these first-time experiences and challenges with others in a helpful, down-to-earth way,” Rachel continued.

Following choosing the Elddis brand and its all-new luxury Encore range, Karen and David needed to decide on the right layout to suit them, which became possible during the Elddis Factory Open Event in September as previously reported here. The couple were able to compare and contrast the layouts available, as well as talk to other motorhome owners to decide upon the right choice for them. A further trip to the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015 at the NEC in Birmingham galvanized their decision – the all-new Elddis Encore 254 with transverse fixed bed at the rear.

“Having seen the Encore 254, we are both overjoyed at the home comforts and luxury that it gives us,” Karen said. “I’m not a good sleeper, but the fixed bed in this model is really supportive and cosy so I do feel that I’ll be able to sleep well in my lovely bed!

“It has also got a brilliant breakfast table at the end of the bed, with windows to the front and side, so we can enjoy a leisurely breakfast and take in what we hope to be stunning scenery at the same time. Better still if David makes me breakfast in bed!”

David feels confident and secure about the technical aspects of the motorhome and is keen to try out the many gadgets and gizmos that come as standard with the comprehensive specification. The couple have also opted for a solar panel, roll-out awning, rear view camera and Fiamma bike rack to aide their trip.

“I’m really impressed with the cooking facilities and kitchen space,” he said. “Everything has been well thought-out, which is great for us wannabe Rick Steins.” And if the recipes don’t all work out, there’s a sizeable fridge for all the local delicacies – and all the Cerveza and Vino they can carry! “We are very, very happy with our new home on wheels!” say Karen and David, “the New Year can’t come soon enough!”

To follow Karen and David on their travels, make sure you visit their dedicated website here. You can also follow the couple’s journey on social media via Facebook and Twitter.

All that remains to say is good luck! We here at CaravanTimes can’t wait to see what this one particular gap year has in store.

Thieves targeting caravan park take off with thousands of pounds worth of goods

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by Joe Jeffrey

Caravan thieves responsible for at least 18 caravan burglaries in same park as caravan crime continues

Callous thieves have made off with thousands of pounds worth of goods following a spate of break-ins at one single caravan park.

Ribble Valley Country and Leisure Park in Paythorne, Lancashire, has become the main target for the thieving opportunists who have broken into at least 18 empty caravans in one single weekend, leaving many caravanners distraught in the process.

The current amount of goods taken during the break-ins is said to currently be in the region of £3,000, with damage made to the targeted caravans said to amount to much more owing to the way in which the intruders gained entry.

One victim in the latest spate of thefts who wished to remain anonymous said: “We have heard that up to 18 caravans were broken into over the weekend and the thieves stole a lot of expensive items and equipment such as televisions, laptops, vacuum cleaners and alcohol.

“We are very worried about this and would like to make everyone who lives on here aware of what has happened so they can take extra security measures.”

Police have now appealed for caravan owners on the Ribble Valley Country and Leisure Park site to remain aware at all times, and to report any suspicious activity as and when it occurs. Security is also said to have been stepped up at the park in an attempt to quell further robberies.

James Renwick, general manager of the site, said: “We have stepped up security all night on the park.

“We have installed extra security lighting on the exits and perimeter, and we’re introducing number plate recognition so that any vehicle not registered to an owner from the park will be questioned.

“The police are carrying out patrols, and we have asked our owners to be vigilant.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the police on 101.

Swift Group deputy MD wins ‘Rising Star of the Year’ at prestigious Forward Ladies Women in Business Awards

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by Joe Jeffrey

Swift’s deputy managing director shines at prestigious ladies awards

The UK’s top business women have been recognised at the prestigious finals of the Forward Ladies Women in Business Awards (WIBA).

As reported previously here on CaravanTimes, Amy Archer, Swift’s deputy managing director, first triumphed at the regional heat to make it to the national finals back in September. Amy was then put through her paces at a live session with an expert judging panel on 4 November, held at headline sponsor of the awards HSBC’s offices in Leeds.

The National finals, hosted by ITV newsreader Charlene White, took place at The Queens Hotel in Leeds on Friday 20 November, where outstanding, entrepreneurial business leaders from across the UK competed in 11 categories.

It was here that Amy was crowned the winner of the ‘Rising Star of the Year’ award after beating many other entrepreneurial female business leaders from around the UK. This year for the first time, award winners were offered support from two of the most influential names in business – HSBC, who are the headline sponsor of the Forward Ladies Women in Business Awards, and Microsoft, the awards technology partner.

James Cliffe, HSBC Head of UK Business Banking, said: “HSBC is proud to support the ‘Forward Ladies National Women in Business Awards’ and to recognise the many influential women who in 2015 demonstrated exceptional leadership in shaping the business landscape across the UK. The event attracted an outstanding group of business leaders across a range of industry sectors, and we wish to congratulate all those who participated in the regional heats and final. “HSBC also welcomed the opportunity to provide additional help and guidance to this year’s finalists on how they can best achieve their growth ambitions for the future.” ?

Microsoft will offer finalists a full review of their ICT set up. The review will explore how their organisation can utilise technology across a range of business functions to drive business results. Sharon Jandu, strategic partnerships, small and medium business, at Microsoft, said: “Our mission and values are all about helping businesses unlock their full potential and we are excited about the prospect of working with the UK’s leading women in business in their companies to support them to achieve this aim.”?

The WIBAs, now in its sixth year, has become one of the most high profile and respected accolades for women recognising their enormous contribution to the economy and acknowledges start-ups to multi-million pound companies.

Griselda Togobo, managing director at Forward Ladies said: “We were delighted to welcome applications from women across the UK in this year’s National Women in Business awards. We were also happy to have been able to reward and celebrate the achievements of women from diverse backgrounds and industries proving that success can be achieved by anyone through hard work and determination.

“As an organisation committed to supporting and developing women we are delighted to have been able to enlist the support of HSBC and Microsoft who have committed to providing business support and an ICT review to all our finalists.”

“Women are setting up their own businesses in unprecedented numbers and the news that women are also making strides in the boardroom signals a welcomed shift. We look forward to supporting more women and working with progressive companies looking to unlock the potential of women in their businesses.”

Amy Archer commented: “I am delighted to have won the ‘Rising Star of the year’ at these highly respected awards. It is a great accolade and I am honoured to be part of the WIBA which recognises the enormous contribution women are making in business.

“This award is proof that women who aspire to succeed in business can achieve their goals through commitment and hard work and I hope it inspires other women to unlock their potential.”

All of us here at CaravanTimes extend our congratulations to Amy on this wonderful achievement.

Newport Caravans pumps £550,000 investment into specialist body shop and repair centre

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by Joe Jeffrey

Investment of over half a million pounds sees introduction of unique state of the art caravan and motorhome body shop in South Wales

Newport Caravans has expanded into large new purpose built premises close to its existing base in Newport with a £550,000 investment in a bespoke body shop and repairs hub.

The South Wales caravan and motorhome business, which last year saw a boost of seven per cent in caravan and motorhome sales and a 12.5 per cent increase in turnover, says the new premises will allow for growth in demand for its specialist services.

The business, which sells Swift, Sprite, Elddis and Buccaneer caravans alongside Swift and Bessacarr motorhomes, has established the dedicated centre in a 10,982 sq ft (316.91 sq m) building it acquired earlier this year on a one acre plot close to its existing site.

The site is adjacent to Newport Caravan’s existing retail location and extensive indoor showroom at Kings Parade, has ‘gone live’ after a £100,000 plus on site investment in plant and machinery.

The independent state of the art caravan and motorhome body shop repairs and servicing centre is believed to be unique in South Wales and one of very few of its type in the UK.

Rob Lynch, director of Newport Caravans, said: “The new centre that we’ve created allows us to provide a one stop shop for our customers from initial sales through to caravan and motorhome servicing and repairs. If someone has an accident with their caravan or motorhome we handle the whole process through from initial assessment, deal with the insurance claim and repair to manufacturer warranty repair.”

Lynch continued: “Valuable sales space has been freed up in our existing site following the transfer of the body shop facilities to this new site. With the vacant space we propose to move the stockroom and expand our indoor showroom into the former stockroom.

“We have also been contacted by UK dealers to provide them with these services and firmly believe that this will be a growing and important part of our business in the future.

“In our body shop we can handle any make, model and size of caravan or motorhome and we can do the same in our service department. We also have a service partnership with major manufacturers such as Bailey, Lunar, Coachman, Sterling and Autotrail.

“The new facility is equipped with hi tech spray booths manned by expert, BMW trained paint technicians and the latest servicing tools and equipment. Our improved facilities mean that the business has the ability to carry out more body shop repairs thus significantly reducing down time for our customers,” Lynch went on.

Newport Caravans will be able to expand its retail sales area for the display of over 100 caravans and motor homes. The business currently has a display with a combined value of some £3m with vehicles ranging in price from £5,000 for a caravan up to £80,000 plus for a top of the range motorhome.

Lynch, who established Newport Caravans seven years ago with his business partner, Mark Massey, said the expansion has lead directly to the employment of a further six, skilled body shop engineers and support staff adding to the 33 people currently employed by the business.
Newport Caravans attracts customers from across Wales and the west with people coming from and as far afield as Scotland to buy its caravans and motor homes.

The Caravan Club announces exciting overseas getaways for 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

Exciting trips abroad announced by The Caravan Club for 2016

The Caravan Club has announced a number of new sites and tours in Europe and further afield for 2016, giving holidaymakers the chance to explore more of the outdoors – all at an affordable price.

From the sandy beaches of Spain’s Costa del Azahar to the picturesque gardens of the Netherland’s Keukenhof Gardens, The Caravan Club’s escorted European tours have been planned to offer an affordable way for holidaymakers to delve into the culture, food and history of many not to be missed destinations. The 11 new European tours for 2016 include:

– A 14-night Orange Blossom Coast tour in Spain, priced from £1,049 for two people and outfit, with two departures in March and November. Highlights include a visit to the orange groves at Vila Real, a full day excursion to Valencia and a tour of a traditional wine cellar in Vilafamés

– A seven-night Dutch Bulb Fields tour in The Netherlands, priced from £575 for two people and outfit, with four departures in April. Highlights include a visit to the Keukenhof Gardens, a city tour of Delft and a canal cruise through Amsterdam

– A 10-night Rhine Valley Discovery tour in Germany, priced from £995 for two people and outfit, with one departure in May. Highlights include a tour of the street markets and ‘Goethe birthplace museum’ in Frankfurt, a Rhine cruise to Bingen and a visit to the Rheingau wine area

– A 13-night Aveyron Discovery tour in France, priced from £1,115 for two people and outfit, with one departure in June. Highlights include a tour of the Roquefort cheese caves in Ayevron, a visit to “the most beautiful village in France” Peyre and the historic city centre of Rodez
 
It doesn’t stop there though, and The Caravan Club has introduced over 15 exciting tours across North America and Australasia for those looking to escape further afield. The 14-day American Rockies Explorer Self-Drive will take holidaymakers to a number of natural attractions including Mount Rushmore, the Old Faithful geyser and Yellowstone Park. For those after an adventure further north, with the opportunity to explore the area’s coastal mountain ranges and national parks, the 14-day Great Parks of Western Canada Self-Drive is the perfect option.
 
With so much choice on offer from The Caravan Club for 2016, you’re sure to be spoilt. Are you planning on heading overseas this year? Let us know in the comments below.
 

Upsurge in holiday homes as Salop Leisure sees record sales for October

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by Joe Jeffrey

Salop Leisure sees 50 per cent rise in holiday homes

The return of economic security and a desire to invest in family holidays for years to come have underpinned record sales for a Shropshire-based caravan and motorhome dealership during October.

Tony Bywater, chairman of Salop Leisure, which has sales centres in Shrewsbury, Stourport-on-Severn and Machynlleth, says caravan holiday home sales are 50 per cent up on the same month last year.

“It has been a fantastic October for the company, following on from our successful West Midlands Caravan and Motorhome Show at the start of the month,” he said. “People are a lot more confident that their jobs are secure and buying a caravan holiday home is a value for money investment that makes sense to families.

“We are definitely benefiting from the feelgood factor and more people are recognising the benefits of owning a second home in a relaxing location which they and their family can use any time they wish for years to come.”

Bywater said new models from Willerby Holiday Homes, Swift and ABI are all selling well, with many first time buyers, existing owners upgrading and caravan park owners boosting their stock ahead of the 2016 tourist season.

He believes the Indian summer sunshine has helped to boost sales, with caravan owners encouraged to make the most of the unseasonably warm weather and spectacularly colourful autumn landscapes.

“It’s clear that people are already planning for next year and buying a caravan holiday home now will ensure that it’s in place and ready to use next spring,” he added.

Whatever the reason for this positive upsurge, we here at CaravanTimes are happy to see it – long may it continue.

Winter finally arrives as snow, ice and gales spread across UK

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by Joe Jeffrey

Caravan overturns as snow blizzards and gale force winds hit the UK

A cold winter snap, which brought gale force winds and snow to the UK, has caused disruption and devastation in its path to caravanners across the country.

Reports of caravans overturning by strong winds at Crimdon Dene Caravan Park on the East Durham coast have reached CaravanTimes, with the park having to be evacuated as a safety precaution in order to avoid serious injury to visitors to the site.

Meanwhile, additional reports of fallen trees and wintry scenes throughout the country lead many caravanners to abandon hope of an imminent winter escape, with police issuing safety warnings to motorists owing to freezing weather bringing treacherous driving conditions with it.

Several minor incidents were reported on the road during the weekend, some of which caused major roads to be closed, adding to the misery of those attempting a weekend getaway, whilst some parts of the country continue to remain on high flood alert as the cold snap has seen temperatures fall to -10 in certain regions.

All is not lost, however, as forecasters are predicting the arrival of a warmer spell for the week ahead.

Met Office forecaster Emma Boorman said: “This weather arrived on Friday when we had a cold front from the North to South due to cold air from the Arctic.

“It will be warmer tonight than it was last night, and the lowest temperatures are set to be -2C (28F).

“This trend is going to continue throughout the week, with temperatures averaging between 8C (46F) and 10C (50F).

“Wednesday will have some slightly cooler weather, but this will only affect us for a short period of time.

“There will be showers as well as long spells of rain this week.”

Let us know what the weather is like where you are in the UK in the comments below.

Successful multi-tasking whilst driving a ‘myth’ according to experts

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by Joe Jeffrey

IAM and TRL study reveals safe driving and multi-tasking do not go hand-in-hand

Multi-tasking without the implication of putting yourself and other road users and pedestrians at risk whilst driving is a myth, according to new research by expert psychologists, with the most dangerous of multi-tasks being talking on a mobile phone.

According to research conducted by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL), which concentrates on the dangers involved when drivers try and engage in more than one task, multi-tasking can have a ‘detrimental’ effect on the quality and accuracy of one’s driving performance. The findings come by way of a report launched last week, entitled ‘The Battle for Attention’.

The report reveals that texting using a mobile phone whilst driving engages three of the five key areas of distraction – cognitive, audible and exposure time – to a ‘high’ level and seems to solidify figures from the Department for Transport (DfT) collated in 2013, finding that 2,995 accidents on the road were attributed to ‘distraction’.

The report states: ‘Research has confirmed that tasks almost always interfere with other tasks carried out at the same time. The brain never actually focuses on two tasks at the same time – it switches back and forward between them.

“As driving is so complex and requires various cognitive processes, taking on another task when driving can mean a driver is unable to pay sufficient attention to all the activities required for safe driving. This can lead to a processing failure resulting in a loss of control, putting the driver and other road users in physical danger.’

Of the findings, IAM’s chief executive officer, Sarah SiIlars, “This is proof, should it be needed, that multi-tasking and driving simply don’t mix. Whilst there are plenty of distractions to tempt the driver, the individual needs to know that the phone, or internet, or the iPod simply don’t matter – driving is the only activity that should occupy your mind while at the wheel.

“It’s important that we work with the government, car makers and educators to deliver a renewed focus on driver training and road safety – and that people know that distractions can be fatal.”

News of these findings should come as no surprise, with previous research revealing motorists worry more about the dangers of distraction posed by technology and social media than drink driving when taking to the road, as previously reported on CaravanTimes.

Caravan Park fined thousands over flooding

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Caravan Park fined thousands over flooding

by Joe Jeffrey

Caravan owner fined for ‘flooding neighbour’s property and failing to act on botched handy work

A caravan park owner in the Lake District has been fined thousands of pounds after altering a watercourse and almost flooding his neighbour’s home.

Graham Holden, owner of Greenhowe Caravan Park in Great Langdale, is said to have replaced existing pipework in order to divert a beck without seeking permission from Cumbria County Council, whilst allegedly ignoring orders to return it to its original state.

As a result of Holden’s actions, the pipe work burst during heavy rainfall in November last year and a mass of soil and debris infiltrated the garden of a neighbouring cottage whilst blocking the beck in the process over a period of seven days.

Upon investigation in January of this year, county council officials subsequently found a ‘vast amount’ of water by the entrance to Greenhowe Caravan Park and, despite being ordered to rectify the flood issues by March by removing alterations, Holden failed to act, instead covering up his handy work with stones and gravel.

During mitigation, Holden claimed bad weather had caused land surrounding the beck to slip into the park’s neighbouring property and stated he wanted to ‘retrieve the situation’ by replacing the pipework himself.

Holden was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay £6,377 costs and a victim surcharge of £120 as a result of the botched handy work and failing to act in order to rectify his actions.

Glossop Caravans back for another Black Friday Sale

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By Joe Jeffrey

Second annual Black Friday Sale is sure to serve up some brilliant bargains

Glossop Caravans has announced its second annual Black Friday Sale.

The long established caravan dealership in Derbyshire made history last year when it held the first Black Friday Sale the caravan industry had seen. And now, following the success of the event, Glossop Caravans owners, brothers Stan and Brian Laing, are delighted to be offering their customers fantastic savings again this year.

Black Friday Sales are still gaining in popularity in the UK, but are a well-known tradition in America. Held on the first Friday following Thanksgiving, it marks the start of the Christmas shopping season; families take time off work to hit the shops and retailers across the country offer ‘one day only’ sales and super deals.

As main agents for Coachman, Elddis and Swift caravans and motorhomes, there are certain to be some great savings and extra special deals across the ranges. This will include discounts of up to 30 per cent across every single used caravan and motorhome, while we’ve also been promised that tthere will be some rather spectacular deals on new caravans, Glossop’s awnings, accessories and servicing too.

The full details of the sale items, in traditional style, remain secret until the sale opens on the stroke of midnight on Thursday, so get your smart phones, tablets and laptops charged and be ready to scoop up a bargain.

The sale will remain open online for 24 hours with dedicated staff on live chat to answer your questions and to allow you to make your reservations.

Don’t forget this is a one day only sale with great offers that will not be repeated. Make sure you are ready for Black Friday; start your Christmas shopping season with the best bargain you will get this year. We know we’ll be checking out everything Glossop has to offer – what about you?

Objections raised over council’s scaled down plans for caravan park

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By Joe Jeffrey

Plans for 100-pitch caravan park face opposition over detrimental impact on wildlife

Plans to build a caravan and camping site in Suffolk have been met with fierce opposition over fears of the adverse impact on wildlife within the local area, despite being scaled down to appease public outcry once before.

In total, 54 objections have been raised pertaining to Bury St Edmunds Council’s plans to introduce a 100-pitch camping and caravanning park at the 6 Ha caravan park, which is expect to boost the local economy and attract more visitors to the park’s visitors’ centre, as well as Anglo Saxon museum.

Prior to current objections, Bury St Edmunds Council were forced to abandon plans for a 180-pitch site after receiving over 80 objections to the plans on a similar premise.

New plans would see the inclusion of buffer zones in a bid to reduce the impact such actions would have on local wildlife situated around three sides of the park by way of the Breckland Special Protection Area (SPA) and Breckland Forest Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) – home to jar, woodlark, and other ground nesting bird species.

The council has continued to see a number of objections, despite government adviser for the natural environment in England, Natural England, stating that it did not expect the SPA to be ‘significantly affected’.

The Suffolk Wildlife Trust, however, has hit back at plans proposed, stating the development would result in a net loss of suitable reptile habitat within the park and has called for pre-construction surveys for water vole prior to work being carried out.

Bernard Tickner, who created the nearby Fullers Mill Garden and is vice president of the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, said: “I fear the noise generated by it will drive away the occupants of this peaceful community. I fear for the woodpeckers and the nuthatch. I fear for the nightjars and the woodlarks which nest here.”

What do you think?

Couple left with ‘virtually nothing’ after motorhome is stolen from supermarket

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By Joe Jeffrey

Couple’s plans for holiday of a lifetime scuppered after thieves steal Dethleffs motorhome

A couple who were planning to drive to Italy in their motorhome for a holiday of a lifetime have been left with “virtually nothing” after it was stolen from under their noses in London earlier this week – a day before they set off for a holiday of a lifetime.

Lucia Liberati and Terry Deane, from Brent Cross, North London, were shopping in Tesco in Hendon when their Dethleffs Fortero motorhome, worth £33,000, was stolen by callous thieves from the car park outside, which contained their clothes, passports and electrical items.

Ms Liberati said of the theft and of her 77-year-old husband’s reaction to it: “I couldn’t think straight when I spoke to police. It was a horrible feeling, my partner looked like death.

“I’m concerned I won’t be able to find another van that makes me feel the way the old one did. It was like home,” Ms Liberati continued.

The couple, who are both self-employed, bought the Dethleffs motorhome last year and planned to use it to visit Ms Liberati’s elderly mother in Florence.

Police have subsequently been unable to locate the motorhome, which was last seen leaving the car park from outside Toys R Us at around 6:30pm. Anyone with any information about the stolen motorhome is requested to contact the police on 101.