A MAN'S livelihood is at stake after thieves stole his equipment from a secure shed in Delabole.

A ride-on lawnmower worth £1,500 was taken sometime between Wednesday, May 9 and lunchtime on Friday, May 11, when Adrian Pooley noticed it was missing from the parish council shed in Delabole village playing fields.

The uninsured machine is privately owned by Jason McDougall of Delabole. He has been the council's contractor for over five years and cuts the grass and carries out maintenance in St Teath and Delabole.

"It is a nightmare," said Jason, who is self-employed. "People don't realise what a nuisance it is to me, the parish council, the people of St Teath and Delabole."

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.