A funfair boss is baffled after thieves swiped 40 of his advertising signs from around the borough.

Brimley Gore, who ran Gore’s Amusements at White Ash playing fields this weekend, said people were unaware the event was on after the thefts.

The 44-year-old said his business made huge losses during the fair and wouldn’t be able to donate their usual sum to a local charity.

Brimley, who hosted the fair on the fields by Harvey Street, Oswaldtwistle, said the signs were taken at random as he put them up in locations across Accrington and Oswaldtwistle.

He said: "I have no idea why someone would do it. It’s the only form of advertising we do and just lets people know I’m in their area.

"I remember putting some up about a week ago and within an hour they were all gone. And this just kept happening in the build up to the funfair which was on this weekend."

He added: "The weather wasn’t great on Saturday and Sunday but it didn’t help that nearly all my signs got stolen before it took place. I was a third down on overall takings after.

"I travel all round the north west and have never had this happen before. I’m hoping to come back to Oswaldtwistle because the people who did come said it was great but I can’t afford for it to happen again.

"It’s also upsetting because after events I look to donate something to a local charity but I can’t do this now."

Police want to speak with a woman who they believe saw signs being taken on Union Street, Oswaldtwistle, by a man in a blue coloured Vauxhall Astra.

A police spokesman said a lot of metal thefts have taken place across the borough.

PC Duncan Park from Accrington Police said: "The thefts took place over several days between May 13 and 4.30pm on May 18 when the signs were discovered missing.

"The latest one to be stolen was on Union Road near to the Co-op. I would appeal to anybody that believes they have witnessed somebody taking down any of these signs to contact police.

"Anyone with any information should contact the Accrington Quest team on 01254 353775."