A ‘DEVASTATED’ pensioner has spoken of his heartache after a pair of vintage motorcycles worth £30,000 were stolen.

The Rudge Ulster and Norton Manx motorcycles had been on display at Anthony Kayley’s home in Skipton Road, Barnoldswick.

Police said the vehicles, worth £10,000 and £20,000 respectively, were stolen after thieves broke in through a window.

Mr Kayley, 70, a motorcycle enthusiast for most of his life, said the vehicles also carried a great deal of sentimental value.

He added: “I had the Rudge Ulster road bike for 30 years. I bought it because it was an interesting bike and I have invested a lot of time and money into restoring it over the years. It’s worth around £10,000 and it has a lot of sentimental value.

“The bikes were like part of my family – that’s why I kept them in the house - because I thought it was the safest place for them.

“I had the Norton Manx bike for around 12 months. It’s a pure bred racing machine.

“I’m devastated. I can’t eat or sleep, it’s knocked me for six and I feel sick all the time.”

Police said the motorcycles, which had never been used by Mr Kayley, were stolen between 3pm and 5.45pm on Wednesday March 24.

According to officers, the thieves broke in through small window at the back of the house and then wheeled the bikes out through a door.

The Rudge Ulster motorcycle is all black and registered with the number EKA 726.

And the Norton Manx 30-M 499cc motorcycle is black with a silver tank and unregistered.

It has 18 in yellow on the front as well as one digit on either side.

Mr Kayley, who lives alone, said neither of the vehicles were insured.

He is offering a ‘substantial’ reward for information that leads to the recovery of either vehicle.

Call Police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.