A farm worker is offering a £1,000 reward to help track down his stolen 4x4, after admitting he left the keys hidden in the vehicle.

Chris Pocock made the appeal for information after his insurance company refused to cover the loss because he had stowed the keys in the bumper.

The 49-year-old described the vehicle as his “pride and joy”.

He said: “It was stolen on Wednesday, August 21, between 8pm and 9pm from Sescut farm, in Woodeaton.

“It is a Land Rover defender 90 TD5. I had only just got back from work and then when my boss came back at 9pm it had gone.

“I’ve put everything into it – it’s worth about £10,000 and I need it for my job basically.”

Mr Pocock is now hoping that anyone who has seen his vehicle – registration WM05 EHS – since it was taken will come forward.

“I’m offering a £1,000 reward. I need all the help I can get,” he added.

“The farm has been very good and lent me a vehicle, but I need my Land Rover for work.

“I just hope someone will remember seeing it.”

Thames Valley Police last night confirmed it is investigating the theft .

A spokesman asked anyone with information about it to call Wheatley and Chalgrove neighbourhood team on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.