WATCHET taxi driver Andy Virgin has offered a substantial reward for information leading to the prosecution of arsonists who torched two of his vehicles.

Mr Virgin, 47, who runs Data Cabs, refused to be beaten by the firebugs and was back on the road in a new vehicle within hours of the early morning attack.

A Ford Tourneo minibus - one of two cabs he runs - and his personal Land Rover Discovery, together valued at £20,000, went up in flames just before 4.30am last Wednesday morning.

The vehicles were parked off-road outside Mr Virgin's home in Rangoon Road.

A boulder was thrown through the side window of the minibus before it was set alight. The flames then spread to the Discovery.

Mr Virgin's neighbour raised the alarm and firefighters were on the scene within minutes.

All he could do was stand and watch as his business went up in smoke.

He told the Free Press: "It's a deliberate attack and someone must know something.

"The fire brigade were called at 4.27am, so I'm hoping someone might remember seeing or hearing something around 4am or 4.15am.

"This sort of thing just doesn't happen around here."

Determined not to let his customers down, Mr Virgin headed straight for Bristol and bought himself a £9,000 replacement vehicle.

"I'm a professional and I do what I can for my customers and they've been brilliant.

"I've been so pleased with the response from family, friends and customers, it's been fantastic," Mr Virgin said.

He added: "All I want to do is lead a nice quiet life and earn a living.

"This will not put me out of business."

Anyone who has information about the arson attack should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.