A MILKMAN was nearly run over by a thief who stole his van during his early morning round.

John Jolley was delivering milk in Westhoughton morning when his Toyota Dyna was taken.

The self-employed milkman, who has been working the same round for 34 years, says he feels like he has lost everything after the thief stole his truck ­— along with two days of deliveries, his work phone and his takings.

His wife, Marie Jolley, said: “He’s been a milkman for 34 years and he feels like he’s lost everything.

“He tried to stop the truck but it was going at speed to run him over so he had to get out of the way or else he could have been severely injured or killed.

“It’s been heartache. We’re going on holiday to celebrate his 60th birthday and we almost cancelled the trip due to stress ­— we will never forget what’s happened.”

He was on Washacre at around 6.30am last Thursday when a man got out of a blue Renault Clio and hopped into John’s truck.

The man, described as late-30s and slim build, then started to drive off.

John attempted to stand in the truck’s path, but was forced to leap out of the way when it became clear that the thief would not stop.

The white Toyota Dyna, with the registration PK55 WCA, has not been by the family seen since.

The couple have just embarked on a two week Caribbean cruise to celebrate John’s birthday,

Marie added: “The milk was found about an hour after the theft across the road from India Gate along Dodd Lane ­— it had all been thrown out of the truck and it’s left him in shock and devastated.

“We’ve had such a stressful few days but my children Sarah, Lucy, Nathan and their partners have helped so much.

“Even all my friends and customers were concerned.”

John is physically fine but his family said he was “gutted” over the loss of his truck.

He is now appealing for anyone with information about the whereabouts of the van to come forward and report sightings to the police.

Police are investigating the theft. Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.