Woodthorpe: Charity Rudolph truck stolen from driveway

The parade helps to raise money for local good causes

Charity fundraisers have appealed for information after a pick-up truck carrying a model reindeer was stolen in Nottinghamshire.

Rudolph and the truck were part of Mapperley and Arnold Rotary Club's "Christmas Float".

On Friday at 15:50 GMT, the vehicle was parked on a club member's drive in Woodthorpe before someone climbed inside and drove away.

Chris Rollinson said he was 6ft (1.82m) away from the truck as it sped off.

Mr Rollinson told the BBC he chased the driver down the road before they "hurled" down Woodthorpe Avenue.

A club member since 1989, he has been preparing and driving the float for 30 years.

"We use the truck to pull the sleigh around Nottingham and children get to meet Santa. It is our biggest fundraiser of the year," he said.

"Unfortunately, the Grinch has come out this Christmas."

The club has been borrowing other vehicles to keep the float in action.

However, Mr Rollinson said they did not know how much longer they could keep relying on others for.

Nottinghamshire Police is investigating but no arrests have been made so far.

Mapperley and Arnold Rotary Club has urged anyone with information to come forward.