A TEENAGER’S ‘pride and joy’ moped was stolen from his parents’ driveway and dragged 400 yards before being torched.

Weymouth College student Matthew Woodsford, 16, worked all last summer to raise enough money to buy his first motorcycle and pay for insurance.

He was in tears after the red Peugeot Speedfight 2 was taken from the family drive in the night and then had to identify it when it was found destroyed in a nearby park.

Matthew, of Dawlish Cres-cent, Wyke Regis, said: “I worked all summer just earning money and then I saw that bike and I just wanted it.

“When I found it was gone I was really angry.

“Me and my dad went with the police and had a look when it was found. I was gutted.”

Matthew worked at the Harlequin Grill before returning to his mechanics course at college.

He was also using his moped to deliver the Dorset Echo.

His dad Colin Woodsford, 42, said: “We are just absolutely furious about it.

“I can understand if they took it apart and sold the parts but to drag it 400 yards and set fire to it is ridiculous.

“We hope whoever it is gets caught, which I’m sure they will.”

Matthew’s mother Sandra Woodsford, 39, added: “The poor kid was still in bed when I went out to move the car and realised it was gone.

“He could only afford third party insurance so he’s not going to get any money back.

“His Echo bag and waterproof trousers were locked inside it too.”

She added: “Matthew was in tears last night as he was the one who paid for the moped.

“And he’s been working on it with his dad as they were getting it ready for its MOT.”

A Dorset Police spokesman confirmed they are investigating the theft and damage.

The red Peugeot Speedfight 2 was stolen between 9pm on Wednesday, March 24, and 8am the following day.

Anyone with information can call Dorset Police on 01305 222222.