AN ANGRY father has put up a £500 reward to find the thief who stole his nine-year-old son's motorbike.

Mike Crawford, who owns the ARC garage, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, discovered the theft when he opened up on Tuesday morning.

The Yamaha RT 100 bike belonging to his son, Lee, had been taken from a concealed corridor between two industrial units.

Whoever stole the £2,000 bike passed other vehicles, including a quad worth £1,000 and a super-bike, to get it.

Mr Crawford, 41, whose garage is the country's biggest sidecar racing sponsor, said the thief must have known the premises well.

"There was also a Honda Fireblade 900cc with the keys in it and that wasn't touched.

"The area was locked and the thief knew where the key was."

Mr Crawford said Lee's motorbike was particularly special because it was given as a reward.

"When Lee was four, he was diagnosed with dyspraxia, which is a form of dyslexia that affects coordination," he said.

"The deal was that if he tried his best to overcome it, I would buy him a bike.

"He's now in the top three in his class, and the bike is his pride and joy."

Mr Crawford, who became the youngest winner of the British sidecar championships in 1979, said the Witton-le-Wear Junior School pupil was devastated when he heard of the theft.

"He just collapsed on the floor on his knees and started crying," he said.

*Anyone who can provide information leading to the conviction of the thief of the bike - which has a purple seat, a bright orange tank and side panels, and a blue, orange and white-striped front and mud guards, with the number 99 on the front number plate - should contact police on (01325) 314401.