BUSINESSMAN Dave Simm, attending a cowboy-style dance event at Haydock, later discovered that a thief had shot off with his van.

And now, Dave, who runs the St Helens Domestic Appliance Centre, is offering a £150 reward to anyone who can supply information leading to a conviction.

His white Bedford Astramax van (registration number F598 THN) vanished from the car park of a workingmen's social club in Penny Lane, Haydock, between 8pm and 11pm on Thursday last week. At the time, Dave and his wife Alison were attending a charity line-dancing event.

"I had carefully parked in an illuminated spot and the van was fitted with steering and crook locks."

"Now, I'm offering a reward if anyone can give the police information leading to a conviction of the person responsible who must have gone equipped with tools in order to remove the heavy duty crook lock fitted to the steering wheel and foor pedals."

Dave can be contacted on St Helens 23120.