A DAD'S two-month labour of love for his four-year-old son was dashed in one cruel stroke when thieves stole the boy's toy Land Rover.

James Aldersey had spent £2,000 and weeks of hard work building the kit car with his son Thomas.

But, on Tuesday, thieves broke into stables at the Alderseys' Kempsey home and stole the battery-operated car.

Raiders ignored other cars and machinery, suggesting the toy was a specific target.

Mr Aldersey has been shocked and angered by the incident.

"I built it and it is devastating for me because I put so much work into it," he said yesterday.

"I spent six to eight weeks on it and the replacement value is £2,600.

"It's not the financial side of it that angers me, it's the fact that Thomas has been ripped off.

"It's his piece of equipment that I built for him and somebody has taken it away.

"They didn't even bother with a lawnmower that was in the stable, only the little Land Rover."

Thomas's grandmother, Patricia, issued a plea for help.

"Thomas thinks somebody has borrowed it and he keeps saying why can't they bring it back," said Mrs Aldersey.

"If anybody has got any information that would be wonderful."

Vicki Davies, spokeswoman for Worcester police, said levels of crime in rural areas were often perceived to be worse than reality.

"Crime is lower than the national average across south Worcestershire," she said.

Anyone with information can contact his parents on 01905 821778 or Worcester police on 01905 723888.