A REWARD has been offered for the return of an unusual prop to a North-East night-club.

The owners of the Millennium Disco, at Teesside Park, Stockton, are searching for a giant handbag stolen from a special party night.

Despite being danced around by hundreds of clubbers, the 5ft tall, colourful prop was stolen from the club last Thursday night.

The bag was made for the launch of the Millennium Disco's handbag party nights, which celebrate music from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.

It had been hoped the bag would become a regular feature in the club, but within hours of the cardboard feature being introduced to the dancefloor it disappeared.

Manager Lewis Palmer said: "We can't begin to imagine who on earth would want to steal this, or how on earth they managed to get it out of the building. It must be a joke.

"The prop was made for a bit of fun to illustrate the handbag nights. It has a real presence and made quite an impact.

"We really want it back, preferably before this Thursday's handbag party."

Mr Palmer has no idea how the bag was smuggled out of the club, which was packed with party-goers enjoying the inaugural handbag party.

The club is so eager to get the prop back it has offered a £500 reward for its safe return.

Anyone who can help locate the bag is asked to call (01642) 608877 or (0771) 3474531.