Eco-furniture maker and sculptor William Thomson is appealing for help to track down the culprits who raided his store and workshop at Walmer.

They stole wood, tools and paint pots, setting fire to everything in a big bonfire on the beach nearby. A kayak was also taken, but not believed to have been burnt.

Mr Thomson, 23, of The Beach, discovered the theft on Friday morning.

He said: "I find it inexcusable and completely disrespectful. It is so annoying, as I am a furniture maker and most of my stock for making furniture has gone."

Mr Thomson is based in a garden off the seafront, open to the public in the summer months, and the corner summer house contained his tools.

He added: "I really did not realise what had happened at first, but then I noticed where the kayak had been dragged out and followed the marks down to the beach.

"On a burnt-out bonfire I noticed the remains of all my things, the chain saw, sculptures, furniture, paints and varnishes.

"Then I realised someone had made a fire from my stuff."

* For full story see the East Kent Mercury, August 11.