A MODEL steam train worth £10,000 has been stolen from its elderly owner.

The Fowler A7 steam traction engine was taken from the garage of the 83-year-old who built the engine while he took a break from working on it.

He went indoors for lunch at 1pm, when he returned at 2pm the engine had been stolen.

Daily Echo: Click below to see a video of today's headlines in sixty seconds

The engine is heavy and measures three feet long, 16 inches wide and 18 inches high and would have needed at least two people to move it.

It is security marked in several places and it carries other identifying marks that not only proves ownership, but also that it has been stolen. Parts of the engine had also been removed for maintenance, rendering it unusable.

Police are appealing to anyone who was in the area at that time who witnessed anything suspicious or has knowledge of the engine’s whereabouts to contact them.

The incident happened on June 27.

Information should be given by phoning Ringwood police station on 0845 045 45 45 or anonymously on the Crimestoppers charity line 0800 555 111.

The owner is also prepared to offer a cash reward for information.