A Hereford world record holder had the wind taken out of his sails when his custom made kites were stolen from his car, writes IAN MORRIS.

Peter Taylor, who holds the indoor kite flying record, had 24 kites worth almost £3,000 stolen from a private parking area in Bobblestock, Hereford, during the early hours of Tuesday, May 27.

Mr Taylor said the kites were 'not for beginners' and would be easily spotted by fellow county enthusiasts.

"These kites are unique and have very individual characteristics. They would be instantly recognised by many friends because there are no others like them anywhere," he said.

Mr Taylor, who has just returned from flying the kites at a display in the United Arab Emirates, says it will be very hard to replace the stolen goods.

"These kites are very finely tuned and you cannot just pick up another one and expect to perform with it immediately. A lot of them were gifts and had a lot of sentimental value, and I ask anyone with information to contact Hereford police," he added.

The stolen kites can be viewed in full on the web-site www.airdynamics.co.uk.Mr Taylor has urged anyone with information to contact PC Roger Williams at Hereford Crime Desk on 08457 444888 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.