A VOLKSWAGEN enthusiast says he is 'gutted' following the theft of his beloved camper van.

Martin Blake, 38, had his VW van stolen from outside his home in Rowan Road, West Drayton, in the early hours of Sunday, June 9. It was last seen at around 11.30pm the previous night.

Friends and VW fans have rallied around Mr Blake, and tweeted appeals to raise awareness in the hope that the vintage vehicle will be spotted, and returned.

Mr Blake, who had the van for nearly ten years and is secretary of the London and Thames Valley VW club, said: "There was no broken glass. All that we found was a bolt, where they had undone the handbrake or something.

"My wife uses it every day, and we took it on holidays and weekend trips. We have a camping trip booked later this summer which we'll have to cancel. It is only car at the end of the day, but we are gutted.

"There has been a spate of camper van thefts recently, and one was stolen in south London on the same night as mine."

The bay window dormobile, number plate 9796 LZ, has a green base and white roof.

If you have seen this van or know where it is, call police on 101.