Hartson shirty at car theft

Have it: John Hartson will give up his shirt to help his family

Welsh soccer star John Hartson is to give the shirt off his back to help his parents recover their stolen car.

One of the striker's signed Wales or Celtic tops will be handed over to anyone who helps trace the vehicle that was taken from a Gower beauty spot.

The Swansea-born footballer - a three-time Welsh player of the year - is annoyed the blue K-reg Sierra Sapphire was stolen, as his mother Diana uses it to visit his elderly grandmother every day.

Police are investigating after it was taken while parked at Caswell beach last week.

The car is vital for my wife Diana - she needs it to visit John's elderly grandmother every day Cyril Hartson, John's father

Mrs Hartson said: "If anyone knows where the car is - they can have a Welsh shirt or a Celtic shirt as a reward.

"I'm not interested in who took it - I just want it back.

"John is not very happy that our car was stolen - he'll give the shirt off his back for us to get it returned in one piece."

Local hero

The Celtic star's dad Cyril said: "The car is vital for my wife Diana - she needs it to visit John's elderly grandmother every day."

Lena Jenkins, 78, suffers with arthritis and Mrs Hartson has to shop and care for her.

Cyril Hartson added: "We came up with the idea of giving one of John's shirts as a reward because he is such a local hero around here it might tempt someone to come forward.

"We've got hundreds of John's shirts from the clubs he's been with throughout his career.

"But the Celtic and the Wales are the most sought after. They mean more to John as well.

"I've driven around looking for it - but there's been no sign.

"Although the car is not worth a lot it is valuable to us and we would like it back."