TV'S top handyman Tommy Walsh was in town on October 22 to offer hope for the more DIY-challenged.

The Ground Force star delighted local fans by signing copies of his latest DIY survival guides at Borders bookshop in Bournemouth.

But after years of transforming other people's gardens and homes on screen, Britain's best-loved builder admits he's now taking time off to do up his own house in East London.

"I'm taking a sabbatical until next Easter because I've got so much work to do at home," he said.

His hugely popular series of DIY books give advice and hints on revamping your home and garden, all peppered with Tommy's famous wit and wisdom.

The two new titles focus on living spaces and the bathroom, but Tommy is also set to release a DVD packed with step-by-step guides based on his bestseller DIY Survival.

"It's the first time anyone has ever done this," said Tommy.

"Some people have problems making the translation from what's in the book to DIY.

"With the DVD, you can work through an individual task from start to finish, and even watch it in slow-mo, if you want."

But the versatile expert couldn't pass up the chance to have a friendly pop at his Ground Force co-star Alan Titchmarsh, who's also a rival in the bookselling business.

"I follow Alan around on the book tours and deface his pictures," laughed Tommy.

Rosie Guest from Borders added: "We were thrilled to get Tommy here, especially given the rivalry between him and Alan.

"Alan was here signing books last month, so the next obvious step was to get Tommy."

First in the queue for the signing was Ian Morton, visiting from Bognor Regis, who came to pick up a copy of Tommy's Outdoor DIY book for his daughter, currently in the throes of doing up her new house.

He was delighted the versatile builder took the time to write a long personalised message congrat-ulating her on her achievements so far.

"I told him he was writing another book," said Mr Morton.

First published: October 23