THREE children were left distraught in the run up to Christmas after heartless thieves stole their treasured motorbikes.

Now their father Graham Darbyshire is offering a substantial reward for information leading to the return of the three bikes which were bought new in September.

The two blue PW 50s and one blue PW80 Yamahas, valued together at £3,000, were taken from the family's garage in Southport Road, Ulnes Walton, Leyland, between 2am and 3am on Saturday, December 15.

Thieves smashed the side window of the garage to enter and opened the garage door from inside.

Graham made the discovery the next morning and told his wife Gillian and children Tom, four, Holly, seven, and Jack, nine, the distressing news.

He said: "Anybody who would take children's toys are low-lifes. It has left the children heart-broken and crying. I think the people who would do such a thing are scum."

It is the second time bikes have been stolen from F Taylor and Sons garage, in Southport Road -- which the Darbyshire family have owned for six years although the company has been in the family for half-a-century --others were taken in July last year.

Police Constable John Howard, of Croston police, is overseeing the case and would like anyone with information to contact Chorley Police on 01257 269021.