A planned mini video documentary, shot by Exeter Express & Echo journalist Tom Arnold while out in Africa, was scuppered when his equipment was stolen on the penultimate night of his trip.

Tom, the paper's local government correspondent, spent ten days in Uganda to report on the work of a local woman who is helping to transform the lives of hundreds of orphans.

He also helped to paint and renovate an orphanage, and wrote a blog and filed daily stories for the paper about his experiences.

But plans for a video documentary for thisisexeter.co.uk had to be shelved when the video camera Tom had been using was stolen, along with all his footage.

A digital camera and Tom's own mobile phone were also taken.

Tom, (25), said: "I was staying in a brick hut in Bujagali.

"There was a metal door and someone managed to get the bolt on the door open, break in and take these things while I was asleep.

"It was a bit of a blow but I guess it can happen anywhere in the world.

"From what I've heard crime isn't a massive problem. If you go parading a video camera and digital camera around I guess it's going to attract attention.

"But these were the actions of one person and the vast majority were welcoming and friendly."

Despite the theft, Tom said the trip was an "amazing experience".

Although he visited slums where standards of living were very basic, he spoke to a lot of people who were orphans themselves who had become involved in support projects.

He said: "They had some tragic stories to tell. But the positive aspect was that many people were trying to help themselves and others.

"It was quite an eye-opener."