A GARAGE owner has put up a £1,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the people responsible for an arson attack on his business.

Simon Rucroft says he has no choice but to launch his own appeal because police "didn't seem interested" in looking into the crime, although police say it remains an active investigation.

A1 Garage in Tunstall, near Catterick Garrison, was targeted in the early of last Monday morning (October 12).

Mr Rucroft said firefighters believe an accelerant was poured through the fence at the base of a caravan parked in the yard.

The fire spread, destroying two vehicles and several trailers.

Mr Rucroft had been asleep in the caravan with his two sons that night, but had luckily left before the fire as one of the boys was not well.

The mechanic said the fire could have had tragic consequences, adding: "We've never upset anyone and we've never had any trouble before - we just can't understand why someone would do this.

"We're back up and running now thanks to the support of our customers but it's not been easy."

Mr Rucroft praised the fire service who tackled the blaze, and the neighbour who spotted the flames in the early of the morning and called 999.

But said he was not impressed with the police.

"I asked the police if they were going to knock on doors or see if anyone in the village had CCTV but they said they didn't have the man power - they just didn't seem interested.

"But I want to know who's responsible and so I'm putting up £1,000 for the information which leads to their conviction."

As reported by The Northern Echo last week, one of the vehicles destroyed was a 1972 Ford Cortina GT 1600.

The vehicle had become a labour of love for classic car enthusiast Kevin Hebron, 43, from Colburn, and his family who have spent many hours and lots of money restoring the vehicle after buying it and bringing it back from Essex about 12 years ago.

In response, North Yorkshire Police said it remained an active investigation and enquiries were ongoing.

A spokeswoman added: "We urge anyone who has any information that could assist our investigation to get in touch on 101. Dial 101, press one and pass information to the control room.

"Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800-555-111.

"Please quote reference number 12150180739 when passing on information."