Car boot bargains worth £500,000

Willard Wiggan is a world-renowned "micro sculptor"

A Wiltshire bargain-hunter who snapped up three micro sculptures for £20 at a car boot sale has discovered they are stolen works of art valued at £500,000.

Anthony Berry bought the minute sculptures which are mounted in the eyes of needles at a Swindon boot sale.

After some research he discovered they were by world-renowned "micro sculptor" Willard Wigan of Birmingham.

"I was excited at first but when I heard they were missing I knew they were going back," he said.

The sculptures were stolen six years ago

The pieces which were stolen from an exhibition in London six years ago, have since been returned to Willard Wigan.

One shows Tower Bridge while another holds Snow White and the Seven Dwarves although four of the dwarves are now missing.

His works are displayed on canvases such as the head of a pin, the tip of an eyelash or even a grain of sand.

Creating the minatures takes a huge amount of concentration said Mr Wigan.

"It's very difficult. Every movement I make is so small. I have to control my breathing and heartbeat."