Hundreds of pairs of crutches go missing every year from the Coventry and Warwickshire or Walsgrave Hospitals in the city.

The hospitals' NHS Trust estimates that only a third of all crutches issued to patients are returned.

That means that the hospitals are forced to buy more crutches to deal with the number of patients needing help to walk.

Hospital bosses say they buy new sets of crutches every month but this money could be better spent elsewhere.

The hospital is also keen to have other walking aids such as Zimmer frames returned but understands they may be required for longer periods of rehabilitation.

The crutches can be dropped in at the Coventry and Warwickshire or Walsgrave Hospital receptions anonymously.