A THIEF drove off with a council van – and the bright yellow woodchipper it was towing.

The yellow Ford Transit tipper, complete with Harrogate Borough Council livery, was taken from Fewston Crescent in the town on October 7 at about 11am,.

It had the registration number YF57OZX and was pulling a yellow Shliesing 480EX woodchipper.

The thief was described as approximately 5ft 11ins tall with a slim face. He was wearing dark trousers, a long sleeved dark shirt and a black beanie hat.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101, select option two and ask for PC Brendon Firth, or email brendon.frith@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk. To remain anonymous, pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.