A CHEEKY thief made out he was legitimately chopping down two 40ft trees from a woodland before hitching them to his tractor and driving off.

The man was spotted with a chainsaw at Helme Park Wood, Thornley, near Crook, County Durham, and was confronted by a shooting warden.

Businessman Paul Abbott, 50, who owns the shooting rights to the woodlands, said: "The guy came out of the woods and told the warden he had permission.

"He had a blue tractor and a trailer which was completely enveloped by this huge tree. He's probably stolen them to sell on to a hotel, or put outside a village hall or green for Christmas.

"It takes years to get trees up to 40ft high then someone just decides to come and cut them down - it's so brazen."

The theft happened on Saturday, December 2, at about 10.30am.

The 200-acre plantation, for timber production, is owned by John Harca, of Brigstock, Northamptonshire, who also has 400 acres of woodland from Weardale to Alston in Cumbria.

Mr Harca, 53, said: "I think they must be in the local area, so I can't see they've gone very far with the trees. They're worth about £200 each."

The man was described as in his 40s, overweight, about 5ft, and wearing blue overalls.

Anyone with information should contact Crook Police on (01388) 762011