A MOTORBIKE belonging to one of the top ten young moto cross riders in the North-East has been stolen.

Twelve-year-old Chris Rouse, Stanley, County Durham, rides in competitions all over the country.

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

The bike is bright blue and white with blue rims and has distinctive stickers on each panel labelled 'Chrissy Rouse 26'.

Thieves also took his bright orange Six Six One helmet, which was also a birthday present.

His father, Martin Rouse, said the bike, worth £3,500, is not insured.

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 lot of sentimental value.

"Going away to competitions is some thing we do as a family and this is very upsetting."

Chris, who attends the 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.

"All I want is to get my bike back. That would be fantastic."

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

Anyone with information can call PC Joanne Fullman at Stanley police office on 0845 6060 365 or ring Crimestoppers 0800-555-111.