A TALENTED wood carver could quit after all his tools were stolen for the second time in a year.

Probation worker Mark “Rusty” Russell runs Marnic Wood Carvings, making special sculptures for schools, businesses and charities across north Essex.

But he may have to give up because he doesn’t have any more tools, or money to buy replacements.

He has already had to cancel a job at Roach Vale Primary School, in Colchester, and was due to start another for Tendring Council soon, when burglars struck.

Between Friday and Saturday, they raided Plumpton’s Farm, off St Osyth Road, Alresford, breaking into the farm, a van and stables, taking Rusty’s tools.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Police are investigating.

Fishing equipment, tools and gardening equipment were stolen.”

The tools were worth thousands of pounds.

Rusty, who also runs the Cosmic Puffin festival, said: “I can’t afford to go through all this again.

“I just got back to about square one after the last burglary and was putting all the money I earned into tools.

“I don’t know if I can continue this time.”

Last July, the 50- year-old had all his tools stolen from his van, parked near his houseboat at the Hythe.

Rusty was overwhelmed by generous donations and found somewhere else to store his tools.

Now the second site has been burgled.

Rusty added: “I have some carvings to do for charity, which I cannot do now as I no longer have any equipment.

“I can’t believe this has happened to me again after putting all my spare time and money into rebuilding my business from scratch again.”

Well wishers have already raised £600 and a fundraising page has been set up at http://www.gofundme.com/ dashboard-ocn028 Rusty said: “Without help, I don’t feel I can manage to raise the funds to replace all my tools again.

“Any help would be gratefully received and much appreciated.

“To all those kind souls who donate, I thank you in advance.”

Anyone with information about the burglary can call Colchester police on 101.