An artist has thanked police for recovering £20,000 worth of his work after it was stolen from his van.

The white van, containing more than 70 of the artist’s paintings, was taken from Schoolway in North Finchley on Friday, January 24.

The vehicle was spotted in Woodford Green and police tracked the van a short while later to Waltham Forest, and reunited the “happy” artist with his work.

Detective Sergeant Dan Quigley said: “We are always pleased to return stolen items to their owners. We are still looking for those responsible for the crime and will be making use of CCTV that recognises the drivers of the white van.”