A HOLIDAY break ended on a sour note for a Rossendale man and his family when thieves stole a borrowed caravan just hours before he was due to return it to his friend.

Michael Higham only borrowed the 14ft Mardon tourer because his own caravan was badly damaged in a road accident shortly before the fortnight's break in Cornwall.

Michael, his partner Margaret and their sons Richard, 23, and 21-year-old Robert returned to their home in Fallbarn Crescent .

But when they woke the next morning they found the caravan had been stolen from outside their house.

Its owner, Glen MacBean, has offered a £500 reward for the safe return of the caravan.

"I just can't understand how they've managed to steal it," said Michael.

"I jammed it between two cars and clamped one of the wheels to make sure it was secure.

"They taken the whole thing and there's no damage to either of the cars so I don't know how they've managed it.

"I was lent it in good faith and this is what's happened. I can't believe it.

"I phoned my friend up to see if he had taken it himself and when he said no I told him what had happened. He's absolutely gutted. I feel awful."

Glen said: "I know Michael feels bad about what's happened but it's not his fault.

"It sounds like its been taken by one of the professional gangs who go around targeting things like caravans."

The £2,400 caravan is off-white with a distinctive crack across the back window. It had the registration plates T293 RTE.

Anyone who may have seen something suspicious or who knows the whereabouts of the caravan is asked to contact Rossendale police on 01282 425001.

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