A MASSEUSE has offered a reward to anyone who can solve the mystery of the missing massage couch.

A custom-made 6ft folding couch belonging to Wendy Braden of Wyke Regis, Weymouth, vanished from outside a Dorchester Homes residential care centre in Maiden Castle Road.

Miss Braden, who offers aromatherapy treatment to people with learning difficulties at the home run by the Leonard Cheshire charity, was astonished at the loss.

She said: "I was transferring my gear into the car and put the couch on the pavement.Unfortunately, one of the clients had died so I was a bit upset and not really thinking what I was doing, and drove off without the couch.

"An hour later, I realised I had forgotten it and drove back, but it was not there.

"At first I had to laugh at my own stupidity, but then I realised I would not be able to earn any money. I could not believe it - the couch is quite heavy and weighs 35lbs and not something you could just run off with."

Miss Braden joked: "It cost £200 and is made exactly to my height specifications, so if someone has stolen it I am looking for a 5ft 3in thief.

"Or maybe someone else has picked it up to take home as a joke.

"I have checked that there was no rubbish collection that day, so it has not been binned by mistake.

"I have reported it to police, who said it is the first time they have heard of a massage couch being reported missing."

Miss Braden can easily recognise the missing couch because it has rips along the bottom edge where one castor has fallen off. It has a wooden frame with a maroon cover.

She added: "I would say to whoever took it that I treat people with learning difficulties, so do you really want to be depriving them as well?

"If someone can help me get it back I will offer them a free aromatherapy treatment or maybe a cash reward."

Anyone with information can call 01305 775597 or Dorset Police on 01305 222222.