The �25,000 of fireworks were taken from a steel container in a compound on the Skelton Industrial Estate, Cleveland Police said.

The 1,000 boxes of fireworks and 7,000 packets of sparklers were taken between Monday and Wednesday morning.

They were due to be delivered to Bells Stores, which is now offering a reward for information about the theft.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen a suspicious-looking vehicle in the area or anyone who has been offered fireworks at a knock-down price to contact them.

Bells Stores security manager Barrie Hodgson said: "A substantial reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the people who are responsible."

He said the sale of fireworks was controlled through the stores to make sure they were not sold to underage people and he was concerned they could fall into the wrong hands.