IT’S a sledge fit for a king - but this tailor-made toboggan cost no princely sum.

Retired Malcolm Rolling has made a wooden sled for Prince George – and had word from Kensington Palace that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge would be pleased to receive it.

Seventy-two-year-old Mr Rolling, a retired Durham University technician, took up making the sledges in his garage at home about six years ago, following a request from a neighbour.

Since then, he has made more than 200 – and has sold many in aid of charity, raising around £4,000 for good causes including St Cuthbert’s Hospice in Durham City, the Royal British Legion and the Great North Air Ambulance.

He has also made several for the children and grandchildren of old friends from Durham City Rugby Club, where he played for three decades before serving as president.

But amid a baby lull at the club around Christmas time, Mr Rolling, of Carrville, Durham City, turned his sights farther afield and resolved to make a wooden toy for Britain’s most famous toddler, George Alexander Louis, the third in line to the throne.

It took Mr Rolling only a few days to make the toy, which has a mahogany seat, pine parts, brass runners and oak sides with the words ‘Prince’ and ‘George’ cut into them.

Fearing the royal couple would not be allowed to accept the gift, Mr Rolling’s wife Carol, 77, wrote to Kensington Palace seeking advice.

And last week she received a reply, thanking her for the kind letter and saying the Duke and Duchess would be “pleased to accept the thoughtful gift”.

Prince William and Kate also sent their “warmest thanks and best wishes”.

“I was absolutely chuffed,” Mr Rolling, a regular letter writer to The Northern Echo’s Hear All Sides section said.

“I had bowel cancer ten years ago and making the sledges keeps me fit and busy.

“When I’m out making my sledges, it’s the only time I don’t feel ill.”

Mrs Rolling hopes to send the sledge to the Palace shortly.

And with the Duchess expecting her second child and the Queen’s fifth great-grandchild next week (Saturday, April 25), perhaps Mr Rolling had better get started on another royal sledge soon.