A COLLECTOR is offering a reward for the safe return of his limited edition model cars.

Retired council worker David Barnes, 51, of Hawthorn Avenue, Darwen, was at a car boot sale in Manchester when his house was broken into by thieves who smashed a rear bedroom window.

He said: "I am offering a small reward for the arrest and conviction of the people who did this. I just want to get my cars back because they are of sentimental value to me."

Mr Barnes began collecting the models about four years ago and had a Coca Cola lorry, Coca Cola van, red BMW, mushroom coloured Citroen, Ford Vulcan, black Ford 1930s truck and five Rolls Royce models including a Silver Ghost worth £300

In addition they stole a Prologic TV, a rented video recorder and a Motorola mobile phone and the total haul was worth £2,500.

Mr Barnes said: "They ransacked everything and damaged a record player and left footprints which police are checking out.

"The models are mostly limited editions and have been bought from Franklin Mint, Dambury Mint and from the shopping channel QVC.

"I was fuming when I discovered what they had done. Fortunately I have friends in the area and they have loaned me a TV."

He urged anyone who is offered the models or knows anything about the burglary to contact the police on 01254 353842.