An Essex pensioner lost his life savings of £80,000 - after leaving the cash on the roof of his car and driving off.

The 68-year-old man, who doesn't trust banks, had been moving the money between his home and work.

When he realised his error he began a desperate search with his grandson near his home in Westcliff-on-Sea.

But all they were able to find were the plastic bags the notes had been kept in, reports the Daily Mail.

"My car is never more than 10ft from me at work so I can keep an eye on it," said the man, who asked not to be named.

"That morning I left at about 6.20am and didn't realise I had lost it until noon. I went home and checked my bedroom in case I had left it there.

"Then I realised I must have put it on the roof of my car. If not, I may put it down as I got in the car, but either way it was gone."

The man, who still works as a panel beater and painter, said he had saved £2,000 every year all his working life. He appealed for the cash to be returned.

He added: "I'm gutted. I don't hold out much hope of getting it back but if I do I will give a reward to whoever brings it back."

Essex Police called for the cash to be handed in - and urged savers to keep their money in a bank.

LOL, reminds me of Spongebob when Mr. Krabs put his life savings under his mattress, and it gets sent to the dump LOL.