A REWARD of £1,000 has been offered following the theft of a classic tractor – just the day after it had been sold.

The 35-year-old machine, a Massey Ferguson 240, was purchased at a farm machinery sale held in Swainby, near Osmotherley, at the weekend

However it was stolen the following day before the new owner had even had a chance to pick the vehicle up.

The machine was painted red but is believed to have been previously coloured yellow with the colour showing where flecks of the top surface had peeled off.

The outraged new owner is now offering a reward of £1,000 for information that leads to the return of the tractor and the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Anyone with information that could help is urged to contact North Yorkshire police on 101, select option two and speak to Blair Taylor or email blair.taylor@northyorkshire.pnn.co.police.uk.

Alternatively information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.