A BUSINESSMAN'S livelihood was dealt a bitter blow when his 26-ton truck was stolen from Radcliffe.

Mr Phil Swire has offered a substantial reward for the return of the £12,500 Leyland Daf lorry which went missing from his father's farm on June 13.

The truck, which features a crane on the trailer, is vital to his machine removal and delivery business, based in Croft Street, Bury.

Mr Swire has been forced to cancel several collections and deliveries as his second, smaller vehicle, is not big enough to transport heavy woodworking machinery.

His wife Ann, of Northlands, Radcliffe, said: "Phil set up his own business about seven years ago. He has been a long distance lorry driver for most of his working life and it was his dream to be his own boss and to own his own lorry.

"He relies on the truck to collect and deliver machinery throughout the country. Its theft is costing him dearly."

Mr Swire's company name is printed across the front and the sides of the blue and white cab section.

The vehicle was being stored overnight at his father's farm, Coggra Fold, in Bradley Fold Road when it was stolen.

Anyone with information which could lead to the recovery and return of the vehicle should contact Bury police on 872 5050.