A PIGEON fancier is counting the cost of a theft which has left him thousands of pounds out of pocket.

Ian Cadman has spent years keeping pigeons, and had 49 in a loft at the Sugar Hill allotments, in Cockerton, Darlington.

When he went to check on them yesterday morning, he discovered they had all been stolen.

The 30-year-old is now appealing for anyone with information about the theft to come forward.

The pigeons, which are all tagged, were stolen between 10pm and 10.30pm on Monday.

Mr Cadman, who is offering a reward for the return of his birds, said: "The birds were handed down to me by my father and they are worth more than £3,000.

"They have a lot of sentimental value, and I hope that people will come forward with information about the theft."

Anyone with information should contact Darlington police on (01325) 467681.