The head of a national charity today offered a cash reward after lifesaving equipment was stolen in Brighton.

Marjorie Wallace, founder and chief executive of the mental health charity SANE, had two bags taken as they were being loaded into her car on Brighton seafront.

One contained a defibrillator which Mrs Wallace carried with her in case she came across a heart attack victim.

The equipment is used for emergency treatment of heart attacks. Mrs Wallace said: "I was once present when a person suffered an attack and I have been carrying a defibrillator with me ever since."

Mrs Wallace's bags were stolen from outside the Old Ship Hotel last Thursday.

She had been staying there while attending the Labour Party conference.

Police think the same thief was responsible for the theft outside the same hotel of a computer and briefcase belonging to Julia Langdon, author of the controversial biography about Cabinet Office Minister Mo Mowlam.

Mrs Wallace lost a black shoulder bag carrying the word "Hamburg 1999" and a green canvas bag containing the portable defibrillator.

Mrs Wallace said: "I have lost my diary, all my telephone numbers, and papers I was working on. It is very worrying and upsetting.

"All the papers were headed with the charity's name SANE, and I am desperate to get them back."

Detective Constable Dave Williamson, investigating, said: "The contents and the defibrillator are of no use or value to the thief and it is likely they have been dumped."

Anyone with information or who may have found any of the bags or contents should call Mr Williamson on 0845 6070999.