CRAFT enthusiasts who have spent the last year carving their own rocking horses met up on Saturday to admire each other's handiwork.

Six men and four women - including a great-grandmother - undertook the task at the William Newton Education Centre in Junction Road, Norton. They were advised by toy expert and craftsman Bob Hodgson.

He showed the class techniques including wood-turning, metalwork and carving as well as how to fix the mane and eyes in.

Mr Hodgson, owner of Toy Factory, at Preston Park, said the quality was so good that the horses could fetch more than £1,000 each - about four times the cost of the materials.

"They have all worked very hard and I am dead chuffed with the finished results," said Mr Hodgson, of Butterfield Close, Eaglescliffe.

"Most of the people gave them to children in their family for Christmas and that is why the course runs from January to December, so they will be ready in time.

"They are a good investment and it is one thing to buy a rocking horse for someone, but to make it means it is all the more special."

Places are available on this year's 60-hour course to make a rocking horse. Anyone interested is asked to call (01642) 397363.