A Basildon milkman whose float was stolen from under his nose proved he'd gotta lotta bottle when he chased after it on foot.

Martin Twelftree was unable to catch up with the thieves as they disappeared into the distance weaving dangerously across the road.

Minutes later the float was found crashed into a lamp post.

Saturday proved to be a last day on the job to remember for Mr Twelftree, a milkman of 15 years. He could not believe his eyes when he emerged from a two-minute visit to the newsagents - only to see his float on the move.

Mr Twelftree, who started a new job as a postman today (Monday), said: "At first I thought it was one of my workmates winding me up, but then I realised it was for real.

Mr Twelftree believes the culprits were a trio of mischief-making youths who were hanging around near the Triangle shops in Langdon Hills, drinking beer.

Mr Twelftree, 48, of Malyons Place, Basildon, set off on foot in hot pursuit of his trusty float but was unable to catch up with it.

So he gave up and contacted his manager at Whife and Sloper Dairy, who rescued Martin. The pair then went in search of the missing vehicle.

However, as they searched, the depot received a call to say a float had crashed into a lamp post near Great Berry shops at the rear of Mimosa Close. Mr Twelftree said: "I was worried about all my record books which were in the float - fortunately they were still there."

The vehicle was not badly damaged. Police believe the youths may have been trying to get into a nearby park when their efforts were thwarted by the close encounter with the lampost.

Ray Whife, owner of Whife and Sloper Dairy in Markhams Chase, Basildon, said the float had been driven for a mile before it crashed - and had been seen weaving dangerously across the road.

The incident, which happened at about 8.45am, is being investigated by Laindon traffic unit. Call 01268 541312 with details.

Crash - the milk float...and the lamp post it hit

Picture by reader NICK HORNSBY

Left: Martin Twelftree back at the dairy

Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.