A HAMPSHIRE farmer is "beyond furious" after thieves stole a priceless antique horse-drawn milk float from his yard.

Jack Martin, owner of the Tom Parker Creamery, woke on the morning of November 16 to find that his great-grandfather's milk float had been taken from the yard of Beaconhill Farm, a dairy in Warnford Road, Exton, near Winchester.

The float, which has been in use since Mr Martin's great grandfather, Tom Parker, founded the dairy in 1921, is a regular sight at farmers' markets across Hampshire.

Jack Martin said the milk float has incalculable sentimental value to his family, because, as far as they know, it is unique.

He said: "What I would really like to say is unprintable. I am beyond furious. I went out last night, and it was on its trailer in the yard, and when I went out in the morning it was gone.

"Whoever took it had to have known it was there - they had to drive down a very long drive to get to it."

Mr Martin hopes someone will spot the unique vehicle and it can then be returned home.

Police said the theft was reported to them yesterday morning and they believe it happened between 5pm on November 15 and 8.45am November 16.

Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting 44170446054 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

Mr Martin said anyone with information can also contact him on 01489 874066 or by email at info@tomparkercreamery.co.uk.