A GRANDAD has had his unique Norwegian camper stolen from outside his home - much to the dismay of his six grandsons.

Robert Grant, aged 79, said the 40-year-old folding Chateaux camping trailer was usually kept in his garage at Bury New Road, Breightmet, but on this occasion it was left outside.

The camper, which is very rare in England has been customised by Mr Grant and has a number of unique individual features. It is grey in colour with white mud guards and is fully equipped with beds, cooking facilities and a gas bottle.

Mr Grant said: " I am a member of the Citroen 2CV car club and I often take the camper with me to the meetings. I usually take at least two of my grandsons, who are all under 12 with me and we stay in it overnight or sometimes even for a week. It has brought me a lot of pleasure, mainly because of its characteristics.

"It is known as the Rolls Royce of campers, and is bigger than a normal camper. It is one of only 12 in the country, it was in beautiful condition and is a collectors item, it would be a crying shame if someone was to smash it up or had just stolen it for the chassis or trailer."

Mr Grant said his wife has suffered from cancer and the theft has upset her so much that it has made her ill-health worse.

He added that his grandchildren have also suffered. He said: "My grandsons loved it, since it went missing they have been really down in the dumps."

Police are now searching for the missing camper and a reward is being offered for its safe return.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 872 5050 or Crimestoppers free on 0800 555 111.