A FAMILY run bar and restaurant now has a coat of arms, thanks to a local wood carver.

The owner of the Joiners Arms, in Hunwick, Ian Richardson, said he was surprised and honoured that family friend Jeff Race had made the wooden piece for his restaurant.

“I had no idea Jeff was doing this for us until last week, when he surprised us with it,” he said.

“I’m really impressed, it’s a fantastic piece and it is going to take pride of place on the wall in the restaurant.”

Mr Race is a self-aught wood carver and turner with more than 40 years experience. He has created dozens of pieces from house name plaques used on the set of Heartbeat to the coat of arms in Crook’s Civic Centre.

Mr Race, 75, added: “It took me a very long time to carry out all of the research and it took three weeks to make, but it was all worth it to see Ian’s face.”

The coat of arms will be officially installed during an exhibition of Mr Race’s work, which takes place on Monday, November 17, from 3pm till late.