A FORMER mayor who waged a campaign to cut crime has appealed for help to determine the cause of a fire which wrecked his catering trailer.

Police are still investigating the cause of the fire in Carnforth, which caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to Brian Ward's van, and Crimestoppers has put up a £500 reward for information as to how the blaze started.

Flames were spotted pouring out of the vehicle parked outside Mr Ward's home, on Preston Street, around 2.30am on Sunday morning.

The fire brigade were called out to extinguish the blaze, which completely destroyed the hot food van and equipment contained within it - worth £10,000 in total.

Former mayor Mr Ward, who has built up Brian's Barbecues - which used to be known as Angela's Barbecues - over the last 18 years, said he was devastated when he saw the damage.

"When I saw it, I was just in tears - it broke my heart," he said.

" This is my livelihood.

After foot-and-mouth last year, we're so busy this year."

Mr Ward is determined not to cancel any bookings, and said he will hire a trailer to ensure he does not let any of his customers down, but because the vehicle was parked outside, the damage is not covered by his insurance and he will have to meet the cost of a new trailer.

During his year as mayor, Mr Ward waged a campaign to cut crime in the town by encouraging people to report any suspicious behaviour to Crimestoppers - which offers the advantage of allowing people to remain anonymous if they wish.

Anyone who has information about how the fire was started is asked to call Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.