A GEOLOGIST who retrained to make furniture has opened a workshop in Barnard Castle.

Stephen Richards moved from London when his wife, Gabriella, was offered the position of textile conservator at the town's Bowes Museum.

As a geologist, Mr Richards worked in many exotic locations, including Kurdistan, the United Arab Emirates and Angola.

While the couple had some concerns about country life and moving from London to Barnard Castle, Mr Richards soon discovered they were without foundation.

"It's just a much better way of life up here and we're certainly glad of the move," he said.

The award-winning furniture designer has seen his work displayed in the Victoria and Albert Museum and has been accepted as a selected maker by the Crafts Council.

Of the change in professions, Mr Richards said: "I suppose I just wanted to do something creative.

"I had always made things as a child and, in a way, it was just a continuation of that, really."

For more information, visit www.stephenrichardsfurniture.com or call 07946 464701.