Now their devastated parents are urging the thief to have a heart and return the treasured memories to them.

Michelle and Keith Coundon, of Paxton Terrace, Millfield, Sunderland, received fertility treatment for a year before discovering they were having twins, Harrison and Isabelle.

Eager to capture every moment, the couple had been recording everything since the twins were born on February 10.

But on Sunday, during the christening at St Timothy's Lutheran Church, in Queen Alexandra Road, Sunderland, thieves stole the DVD as it was recording the memorable day.

Mrs Coundon, 35, said: "The camera has got all of the footage of the babies since they were born, as well as stuff from Christmas, it means so much to us.

"We were absolutely devastated when we discovered the camera was missing.

"We had been recording the service because my nan is very poorly and couldn't make it to the service."

The service started at 4pm, but Mrs Coundon believes the camera was stolen when guests were leaving at about 6.30pm.

She said: "While guests were leaving someone walked into the church and was holding the door open, so we think he stole the camera."

The camera was a Sony Handicam, worth more than £250. The spare battery pack and tripod were also taken.

But Mrs Coundon said the return of the camera is not important, she just wants the disks back.

She said: "We're not bothered about the camera just the disks. They mean a lot."

Anyone with information on the missing camera and equipment can contact police on 08456 043 043.