THE owner of a classic 1979 Mini is celebrating after her prized possession was recovered after being stolen.

Julie Clarke woke on Monday morning to find that her Mini, christened, “Minty”, was missing.

She spread the news via social networking sites Facebook and Twitter and reported the theft to the police.

Luckily, they tracked down the eye-catching cream-coloured vehicle with black psots on its doors. It was found in Blackledge Street, in Morris Green, just a few streets away from her home.

“I couldn’t even put it into words — I was ecstatic to have her back,” said 32-year-old Miss Clarke.

The locks and ignition had been broken and the car was full of sawdust, but apart from that there was no damage. “She is my pride and joy,” said Miss Clarke. “I have had her for five years and worked on her to bring her back to her prime condition to start showing her in Mini shows.” Miss Clarke takes part in Mini rallies with her partner, Lee Morrison, also aged 32, and his Mini, which has been christened Murry.

The couple are now planning to take part in this year’s Blackpool Mini Run in aid of Cancer Research UK. Miss Clarke said she was pleased they would now be able to take both cars to the event on Sunday, June 24.

“We travel everywhere together in convoy,” she said.

Bolton Division Ch Supt David Hull said: “I am delighted that my officers were able to successfully follow up the appropriate lines of enquiry and reunite the vehicle with its owner.

“I would strongly urge people to report any incidents or concerns to us so that we can investigate them. Remember, in almost all cases, if you do not tell us about a crime then we cannot do anything about it.”

This will be the fifth year that Miss Clarke has taken part in the Blackpool Mini Run, in which up to 250 Minis converge on the town from all over the North West. For more information about the event, visit blackpoolminirun.co.uk.