A RARE trials bike has been stolen along with thousands of pounds worth of jewellery during a break-in at a home in Rossendale.

The Honda RTL was stolen from the home of the Butterworth family, who live off Heatherside Road in Ramsbottom on Sunday night.

A member of Darwen Motorcycle Club and Red Rose Classic, Jack Butterworth, 20, is offering a £1,000 reward for the safe return of his 25-year-old machine, which he imported from Australia last October.

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He said: “It’s a very rare bike – a 1988 in Rothmans colours.

“I imported the bike last October from Australia and it has been on display ever since.

“It’s immaculate so it’s only been kept on display.

“This type of bike is very hard to get and very rare.

“I have been riding trials bikes since the age of four.

“It’s a bike I have always wanted. It was a dream to have one.

“I got my dream and now someone has taken it away from me.

“I want the bike back so badly.

“I’m heartbroken it’s gone.

“I was going to ride it but when it arrived it was in such excellent quality I took the spark plug out and put it on display.”

Jack was competing at the Pre-65 Scottish two day trial, based in the Highlands at the time of the burglary.

He added: “The police believe that the burglars entered the house for jewellery and other items and the bike was a bonus.

“The police think the burglars pushed it through the neighbours garden on to the road where they must have had a van waiting.

“The bike is very distinctive and worth about £7-8000.”

Jack said a number of watches belonging to his parents were also taken during the break-in.

The frame number of the bike is RTL250SF - 8910128, and the engine number is 8910125.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: “I urge anyone who has information about the theft of this bike or its whereabouts to contact police directly.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting reference 623 4/5/2015.

Police confirmed that the bike had been taken from the address along with watches, jewellery, cash and clothes.

A spokesman said: “Anyone who saw someone anything suspicious should ring 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”