A WORKMAN has spoken of his devastation after thieves stole his van with his beloved dog inside.

Luke Hopkinson, of Richmond, North Yorkshire, has been left distraught by the incident, which happened in Hurworth, near Darlington, on Friday afternoon.

He had been carrying out some rendering on a property in Church Row when he discovered his van, containing his border collie dog, Bodger, was missing around 2pm.

While the white Ford Transit, registration WN51 XLC, contains all his tools and he cannot work without them, Mr Hopkinson, 27 and a father-of-two, said all he is concerned about is his dog.

I had my younger brother labouring with me, he was outside clearing up and we were all packed ready to finish. He had the keys to the van and came back round to get some water to clean the mixer, went back and the van was gone, he said.

The dog was sat on the front seat. I phoned the police and I have been out looking ever since, I have been to all the farms, but I have just had no luck at the moment.

I am just devastated, added Mr Hopkinson. I have had him since he was a pup. He is a like a child to us. I am just hoping someone has nicked the van, got so far and has let the dog out.

While Bodger is microchipped, he does not have a collar and was not on a lead. He also does not know the area he was taken from and so is unlikely to be able to make his own way home.

Mr Hopkinson, who is offering a reward for the safe return of Bodger, said it had been very difficult breaking the news to his children.

They are devastated as well and are bawling their eyes out, he said. My son was only three or four when we got him.

I am not really bothered about the van, it has got my livelihood in it and I am out of work until it gets sorted with the insurance, but I just want the dog.

Its the dog we are bothered about, its like taking one of your children away.

Sgt Leanne Thorns, of Darlington police, said: I would appeal to anyone who has seen either the vehicle or the dog, which has a black head with a distinctive white stripe across it, to contact us as a matter of urgency.

Police can be contacted on 0345 6060365 and Mr Hopkinson can also be called on 0789 1613190.