A tree surgeon is facing a tough Christmas following theft of �26,000 worth of equipment vital to his business.

Bryan Waistell - who turned 45 last Thursday - has owned Berkshire Tree Care, in Billingbear Lane, Binfield, for more than 10 years and was devastated when he woke up last Tuesday to find his woodchipper had been taken.

The machine, worth nearly �20,000, is essential to the job and was stolen along with two chainsaws, a climbing kit and a flat trailer - worth a further �6,000.

Mr Waistell said that he and his team had not worked at all since the incident and added: "It's come at a difficult time as well, especially coming up to Christmas.

"I'm trying to enjoy things but it feels like I can't." For the full story, buy a copy of the Bracknell News.