A HAMPSHIRE classic car enthusiast is offering a reward after his treasured £50,000 Jaguar was stolen.

Roger Lloyd, of Fishers Pond, near Winchester, bought a white Jaguar XK120 roadster five years ago.

The 1951 vehicle is highly distinctive with red leather seats and chrome wire wheels, and has an estimated value of £40-50,000.

It was kept underneath a cover in an open-sided barn next to his house.

He went on holiday for seven days and on his return he found that the electric gates outside the house had been forced.

Nothing was missing from the property apart from the Jaguar.

The vehicle was not visible from the road, and the remote location of the house, off Hensting Lane, makes Mr Lloyd think the theft was planned.

Mr Lloyd, a retired businessman, has contacted police, but officers have so far been unable to find the car.

He is now offering a substantial reward for information leading to the safe return of the vehicle, which has the registration number NVS 532.

Call Mr Lloyd on 023 8060 1133 if you think you can help.

A police spokesman said: "Inquiries into the theft are ongoing."