A JOINER has made a heart-felt appeal for help after thieves stole a set of tools he had owned since his days as an apprentice.

Gary Rigby, 35, of Claremont Place, Todmorden, was given the tools when he started work as an apprentice more than 16 years ago.

But he has been left heart-broken after the tools and tool box were stolen from a Burnley industrial unit.

He said: "I was very upset when I realised my tools had gone because I've had them ever since I was an apprentice. I'm not worried about the financial value of the tools, it's the sentimental value as these were the tools of my trade that I've had for years.

"I'd love to get them back, although to be honest I'm not very hopeful."

Mr Rigby was one of a group working for Nelson-based PDS Engineering on refurbishing an industrial unit in Harle Syke, Burnley.

Thieves broke into the unit in the early hours of Friday morning and stole a scaffold tower and industrial vacuum, as well as the tools.

The company is offering a £200 reward for information about the theft leading to a conviction. A spokesman said the items would be easily recognisable, especially the scaffold tower which was marked with the words PDS Engineering.

PDS, based on the Riverside Industrial Estate, Cliffe Street, Nelson, has become involved in a series of world record attempts.

They were part of the engineering team behind the Thrust SSC which became the fastest vehicle ever when it broke the 850 mph speed barrier in Arizona's Black Rock Desert.

PDS has also worked on Richard Branson's hot-air balloon exploits.

Its latest venture is the Quicksilver Project which will attempt to beat the world water speed record that now stands at 317 mph.

PDS is the prime contractor for the 27ft high-tech boat, powered by a jet engine taken from an old Buccaneer fighter.

Anyone with any information should ring PDS on 01282 619848.