A BIKER from Tuffley has had his dreams of racing glory shattered by thieves.

Craig Hancock, 25, who was going to enter his first motorcycle championship race tomorrow, woke up Thursday to find his beloved £5,000 motorbike had been stolen.

Craig, of Bodiam Avenue, has wanted to race motorbikes since he was a boy.

But until recently he did not have the money to fund his passion.

The bike, an orange and black 2008 KTM 450ECX, was one of two bikes stolen from his parents' bungalow overnight.

Also taken was his father Stephen's Yamaha YZ125 worth £1,500.

The racing hopeful said: "The bikes were on the side of our property, just a metre-and-a-half away from my bedroom window. Someone was right there taking the bikes while I slept.

"They must have known the bikes were there and came in quietly to take them.

"We have three dogs as well and not one of them barked."

Craig, an air-conditioning apprentice, saved hard to raise the £5,000 needed for the new bike and intended to race with it for the first time at the Caerphilly and District Wentwood Enduro tomorrow.

The race, a 90-mile endurance ride against the clock, attracts riders from across south Wales and the west of England.

"I've been practising a lot for it and was really looking forward to the championship," he said. "Without my bike I won't be able to enter."

It is believed the bikes were stolen between 11pm on Wednesday and 6.30am Thursday.

Craig is offering a £500 reward to anyone who returns the two bikes safely. Either call him on 01452 520 143 or contact the police.

A spokeswoman for Gloucestershire Police said: "We are currently investigating the theft of two motorcycles stolen from an address in Bodiam Avenue. The bikes were stolen from the side of the property.

"If anyone witnessed the theft, or has any information about it, they should contact Gloucestershire Constabulary on 0845 090 1234, quoting incident 52 of March 11."

Alternatively they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.