A TEENAGER who refused to spend Christmas and birthday money so he could buy an off-road bike has appealed to the thieves who stole it from his grandfather's garage.

Thieves took Nathan Jeffrey's RTM motorbike from the lock-up in Osbaldwick Lane where the youngster was keeping it to carry out repairs.

Nathan, 14, of Derwent Mews, Osbaldwick, put £500 of his own money into buying the bike, which he received as a birthday present from his parents, last May.

However, he fears the bike will never be returned to him because of the length thieves went to steal it, as they forced the garage door open just enough to slide the motorbike out on its side.

He said: "I would like it back because I'm devastated it's gone.

"I used to go out and clean it everyday and it's my pride and joy.

"My dad travelled over night to Perth in Scotland to pick it up as a special surprise for me so I could have it on my birthday."

Nathan is clinging on to the hope that some people may recognise the bike because of its distinctive features.

He added: "It has distinctive parts which aren't standard.

"They are all RFX parts and the person that had it before me put lots of things on it like foot pegs, a gear lever and cooling pipes."

Mum Tracey Osguthorpe, 35, added: "He's really upset.

"It's not insured because it's an off-road bike and my dad's garage wasn't insured, so we can't claim any money back and he has lost all his money.

"We've had people out driving around the area looking for it and have put pictures on Facebook to try and get it back.

"I don't think we will ever see it again but if someone has a heart they might come forward."

A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire Police said: "Anyone with any information, please call 101, select option 1 and pass information to the Force Control Room for incident number 12150012264.

"If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."