EXCLUSIVE: PETER Kay was furious today after a sneak thief stole from his dressing room as he performed in Bolton.

The comedian said: "I have played 141 nights all over the country and I just can't believe that now I return to my home town I have stuff stolen."

The thief, believed to be captured on surveillance cameras in the Albert Halls, took a digital video camera and a mobile phone from Peter's dressing room.

He struck just 10 minutes after the 29-year-old took to the stage to perform the second night of his Bolton shows during Peter Kay Week to an audience of about 650.

The video camera's memory card contained "priceless" images filmed backstage at venues, which Peter intended to use as extra material on a live tour DVD. Peter said: "I am

furious that someone could stoop so low. "I feel like I bend over backwards to do my town proud.

"I love Bolton and was looking forward to playing here for that very reason. Then something like this happens."

He discovered the theft at the interval when he returned to the dressing room.

He said: "There was no sign of a forced entry at all which seems odd to me. Also, the thief left my wallet alone, so I just don't know what to think.

"I am obviously annoyed that the camera has been pinched, it was a wedding present. But it is what is on it that is most valuable to me. I want to appeal to whoever took it in the hope that they aren't interested in that material.

"It is very important to me that I get that stuff back -- the footage on there is very precious to me. I also use it as reference material. I make notes on past performances and can then reintroduce elements that I have dropped over the course of the tour." Police said they believed the man walked into the main entrance of the Albert Halls at around 7.45pm and an investigation has been launched into how security at the town hall could have been breached.

CCTV images capture a man walking up to the third floor to Peter's dressing room. At the time, police said, he was wearing a blue coat. Police believe the items were then stolen. Pictures show that the man has taken off his jacket and put it over his arm and hand until he reaches a ground floor exit. He then puts his coat back on and walks out.

The man is then thought to have walked down Deansgate to Bradshawgate where he may have got into a white car.

Supt Alan Greene, of Bolton police, confirmed that they wanted to speak to the man pictured in the CCTV camera stills in connection with the theft. He said: "I would urge anyone with any information about this man to contact us. We need to put a face to a name. The items stolen were of strong personal value to Mr Kay."

A spokesman for Bolton Council said: "Security is being stepped up at the Albert Halls in light of this incident. We would appeal to whoever is responsible to return the items stolen from Peter Kay. We are working closely with the police on the investigation into this regrettable incident." Contact Bolton Police on 0161 856 5593 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.