MARKET bosses have been left puzzled by thieves who apparently drove miles around the outskirts of Clitheroe -- stealing roadside advertisement signs as they went.

And the company which runs the collectors' market and car boot sale at Clitheroe Auction Mart today offered a cash reward for the return of more than 10 signs which disappeared on Monday.

The wooden signs, which are put up on market days, were sited on all the main roads leading to Clitheroe.

Hoyle Promotions, which runs the market and sale, has contacted the police and Ribble Valley Council, but said neither could shed any light on the matter.

Company director Gene Hoyle said: "We are just mystified as to why anyone would steal them. Whoever took them would have had to do a lot of driving to collect them all.

"The market and sale have been running for more than 10 years and we have been putting up signs since then. But nothing like this has happened before."

The signs, which are usually fixed to road signs, are orange and black and measure 30ins by 20 ins. They are laminated in plastic and carry an advertising slogan.

The company is offering a £50 reward for information leading to the signs' return.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Mr Hoyle on 01253 782828.