Irreplaceable tools used by the craftsman who works alongside the footpath in Bolton Abbey’s Strid Wood have been stolen.

Thieves escaped with the prized specialist collection stored in Richard Law’s Land Rover, which was stolen from outside his home in Farnhill, on Monday night.

Now Mr Law, who is proud to be called a bodger (the ancient term for a craftsman who prepared the legs and spindles for chairs ready for assembly), has made a heartfelt plea for the return of his toolbox.

He said: “They were mostly second hand tools for wood turning, which will be extremely difficult to replace,” said 56-year-old Mr Law. Anyone with information should contact Skipton police on 0845 6060 247.