HEARTBROKEN York paper-boy Scott Bowlby is appealing for the return of his beloved bike.

Thieves broke through his lock and stole the £330 cycle outside Young's Newsagents in Poppleton Road, at about 3.50pm yesterday.

Scott, of Jennifer Grove, Holly Bank, who has delivered the Evening Press for two years, said: "I'm absolutely gutted - the bike is the only one of its kind in York.

"I was in the shop collecting the papers for literally 40 seconds. I was so shocked when I saw it had gone.

"I got it for Christmas - it was my pride and joy. Someone out there must have seen it."

Scott's dad, David, searched for the bike all over Acomb, but to no avail.

"This is the last thing we need. We saved long and hard and he really looked after it. It's very upsetting."

The cycle is a blue Carerra Kraken.

Anyone with information should contact York police on 01904 631321 or Mr Bowlby on 01904 629605.

Updated: 15:15 Wednesday, March 27, 2002