A REWARD of £100 was today being offered for the safe return of the Green Monkey which vanished from York over Easter.
The Green Monkey is the fond name for the miniature motorised "monkey bike", above, used by Viking Removal Services of Lincoln Street, York.
Removal men of a different kind removed the 24-in high £895 clutchless 50cc Japanese two wheeler from its parking place in the firm's yard near Leeman Road by tucking it under an arm and stepping over a wall.
Ian Shore, owner of Viking Removals, a strapping six-footer, often uses the tiny green-painted motorbike adorned with Viking Removal livery to drum up orders with leaflet drops and to respond to business people or householders wanting quotes.
Ian said: "I was really angry when I discovered our Green Monkey had been half-inched. How could anyone do this to us? There's a £100 reward to anyone who can ensure its safe return.
"All right, so I looked ridiculous in racing boots, gloves and helmet with my knees around my ears blocking out the piercing sound of its hairdryer-sized engine, but that was a small price to pay for all the attention it, and the Viking Removals logo, received.
"Now I'm having to use a three-and-a-half ton Luton boxtop to travel to quotes assessments - a lot less economical than the Green Monkey's 80 miles per gallon."
Anyone who spots the Green Monkey is asked to phone Ian on 01904 632545.
Updated: 09:52 Tuesday, April 09, 2002
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