A WELL-known feature of a County Durham town went missing yesterday when thieves took a hot food van.

Bob's Butties vans have been a regular fixture of Stanley's town market for nearly ten years.

Crooks stole the catering unit from outside the home of its owners, Terry and Collette Hall, in Durham Road, Annfield Plain, between 8pm and 9pm on Sunday.

The couple bought the van last August, after they bought the town centre pitch from the original "Bob", last March.

"This is a real kick in the teeth," said Mr Hall. "I am gutted, but we will carry on as best we can."

The Halls operate the van on Thursdays and Saturdays during Stanley Market, and on Sundays, next to the bus station. A friend has lent them a smaller unit so they can continue trading.

The trailer cost the couple £14,000 when they bought it from Germany. The words, "Bob's Butties" are emblazoned across it in blue letters. There is no registration plate, but the unit has a unique serial number, W0908011VRS33234.

Mr Hall has been visiting catering firms in the region in case the thieves try to sell it locally.

Witnesses reported a blue Rover car towing the trailer towards Chester-le-Street. The car, an 875 series, had been stolen from Annfield Plain and was later found abandoned.

Officers are also keen to trace a white, L-reg Citroen Xantia, seen in Annfield Plain the night before the theft.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Stanley police on (01207) 232144.