A CHRISTCHURCH-based artist was left “devastated” after hundreds of pounds’ worth of tools were stolen from his workshop.

Wayne Willetts, who lives in Southbourne, arrived to work on Monday morning to discover thieves had broken into the building and taken his “most expensive and important” tools, immediately leaving him out of work.

The father-of-three is passionate about his work, which involves creating bespoke pieces of furniture from pieces of driftwood he collects in the local area and on his travels.

However, friends have since set up a fundraising page to help Wayne recoup the money he needs to get back to work.

He said: “I thought I was finished on Monday morning. I’ve always said, I could never afford to get robbed. It’s taken me eight years to afford all the woodworking tools I need as I started with nothing.

“I had to temporarily let go of the man who’s working for me as there’s no work for him at the moment.

“The thieves stole six items worth a total of £1,700. Losing the tools really hurt me – not just financially, but emotionally.

“I spent Monday evening in tears reading all the messages of support, and I’m a northern bloke so we don’t do crying.”

A Dorset Police spokesperson confirmed the burglary, adding police were investigating the incident.

Over £500 has been donated to Wayne’s appeal since he was burgled on Monday, April 18. He has set about repairing the locks on his workshop door and will be getting a security camera installed.

Wayne, who claims to have the only licence to collect driftwood in England, featured on Ben Fogle’s ITV series ‘Harbour Lives’ in 2013.

The surfer first began making mirrors shaped like surfboards after working briefly as a board shaper. He then turned his passion into a business, purchasing an old pigsty on a disused farm to start a workshop.

He said: “I’m a sole trader, an artisan. I learnt a long time ago I wasn’t going to make any money doing this, but I love doing it.

“I felt broken on Monday, but then all this support and help came in and I feel rejuvenated now. The amount of kindness from people has been unbelievable.”

Anyone with information about the incident or who saw anything suspicious can call police on 101, quoting the number 55160060263.