A MOTORBIKE belonging to one of the ten best young motocross riders in the region has been stolen.

Chris Rouse, 12, of Stanley, County Durham, rides in competitions nationwide.

Between March 16 and 18, his Yamaha YZ85cc off-road bike was stolen from a garage in Cragleas, near Hobson.

The bike, pictured, is bright blue and white with blue rims and has distinctive stickers on each panel reading "Chrissy Rouse 26".

Thieves also took his bright orange Six Six One helmet.

His father, Martin Rouse, said the bike, worth £3,500, was uninsured.

The 43-year-old electrical contractor said: "He is devastated by this. I do not think he can believe it.

"The season is just about to start and he has not got a bike.

"It was a present for his 11th birthday and he got the helmet for his 12th, so they both have a lot of sentimental value. Going away to competitions is something we do as a family, and this is very upsetting."

Chris, who attends Emmanuel College, in Gateshead, said: "I do a lot of sports, but riding my bike is the one I like most.

"There was a race on Sunday and I was meant to be taking part, but I could not because my bike has been taken.

"It is terrible. I want to become a pro when I am older."

The family is offering a £1,000 reward for information that leads to the recovery of the bike.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0845-60-60- 365 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555- 111.