A BURY couple's dream trip to Greece has been dashed after an audacious thief stole their beloved Mazda sports car.

The red 1992 MX5 Mk1 left-hand drive model, belonging to Mr Joe Wroe, was taken from outside his Rochdale Road home after being hooked up to a mobile car repair van towing trailer. Minutes later, both vehicles were seen travelling along Rochdale Old Road.

Mr Wroe, aged 69, had been working on the Mazda in preparation for a trip he and his disabled wife Ange were scheduled to make to the Greek island of Ikaria in September. They had planned to recreate the same journey both made in the car 10 and 15 years ago.

The theft took place at 12.15pm last Wednesday, hours after Mr Wroe discovered one of the windows of the Mazda had been broken.

"The car was parked directly in front of the house. After I covered the broken window with plastic, I went back inside. But later, when I looked out, the car had gone."

Several neighbours had apparently witnessed the Mazda being towed away by a man but had assumed this had happened with Mr Wroe's knowledge.

He added: "I'm pretty sure the breaking of the window was the start of the whole thing. That would make sense.

"The sports car has a blue hardtop and a German number plate, DUW MX 77. The car had been fitted with many extras, including Borbet 6 Star alloy wheels, reconditioned engine and customised double roll bars. I love the vehicle which we've had for 16 years. Our plans for our dream trip to Greece have been spoiled by this hard-faced car theft."

Mr Wroe, who used to be a full-time musician, added: "We're devastated that someone could steal a car that was obviously being renovated. I'd been working on the car for the past few months. It's difficult to get spare parts now. Our other car is too old and unsuitable to take to Greece, so, we'll just have to give it a miss this year."

The couple returned to Bury two years ago after living in Germany for many years.

Greater Manchester Police is investigating the theft and anyone with information should ring police on 101.