A CLASSIC car has been stolen from the forecourt of a North-East garage.

The dark red Triumph TR6 was taken from outside Simon J Robinson Classics at Ketton Garage, Durham Road, Darlington, on Monday afternoon.

The 1973 classic, registration number VHN 424M, is valued at £11,500. It was stolen at just before 2pm.

It had just been restored and was placed on the forecourt for the first time the previous day.

Managing director Simon Robinson said: "We have a video camera, but they very cleverly parked a van in front of it so they obviously knew what they were doing."

It is only the second time a car has been stolen from the garage since it opened in 1985. An MGB went missing several years ago.

Mr Robinson said: "I'm cheesed off to say the least."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Darlington police on (01325) 467681, or Crimestoppers, on 0800 555111.