A popular wood carver from Yate has appealed to the public after £5000 worth of tools were stolen from his van.

Andy O'Neill, owner of the company Wild Wood Carving, was enjoying the festive period when on the night of December 29 six chainsaws, one drill and a leafblower was stolen from the back of his van in his road in Glenfall, Yate.

Many residents across the area may know Andy from his work on the old tree stump at the end of the Ridge estate, next to the Ridgewood Community Centre not far from both Yate Shopping Centre and Chipping Sodbury High Street.

Other examples of his work can be found on his website at wildwoodcarving.co.uk.

When speaking to the Gazette, Andy revealed that he is still hoping that someone may know something about what happened on the night.

"Firstly I'd like to appeal to anyone who might have any information regarding the theft to contact crimestoppers or to contact me directly via my website," Andy said.

Despite the incident, Andy revealed that he is really appreciative of the support he has already received since the story went online.

"I've also been made aware that a lot of people have been sharing this story via social media," Andy continued.

"I'd just like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has posted, shared and written positive comments of support regarding this, it's greatly appreciated.

"A neighbours cctv picked up on a tall man wearing a head torch acting suspiciously around the parked vehicles including my van at around 2am but the images weren't clear enough to get any kind of identification unfortunately.

"If nothing else, I hope it it raises awareness.

"It is a shame but at least some good can come of it in that regard."

The chainsaws stolen included:

1 x Stihl MS880

1 x Stihl MS441

2 x Stihl MS261'S

1 x Stihl MS201

1 x Stihl MS193