A sculpture carved from a living tree dating back to the 1880s has been unveiled at an arboretum and falconry centre.

The piece, created from an ash tree at Thorp Perrow Arboretum and Woodland Garden, in Bedale, North Yorkshire, is of a male and a female falconer casting birds of prey.

Centre owner Sir John Ropner said the work of art was very special.

"Never before has it been attempted to carve two highly detailed human figures from a living tree, making this sculpture the first of its kind certainly in Yorkshire, if not in the United Kingdom," he said.

It was little more than a year ago, that the challenge was set for a wood sculptor to turn the living remains of the ash into a carving befitting the magnificent surroundings of the arboretum.

The sculpture was created by Dave Shires, co-founder of the Durham and North Yorkshire Region of the Woodcarvers' Association, and club member Ian Wardle, with help from Mary Cooper.

To complete the work, other members of the club have carved small animals from waste wood of the tree, including a frog, rabbit and badger head, which are displayed at the base.

"Thorp Perrow is very proud to be part of history in the making and to be able to share this spectacular combination of art and nature with the public," said Sir John.

Thorp Perrow has one of the finest collections of trees and shrubs, along with 85 acres of woodland walks and nature trails. The Falcons of Thorp Perrow is a captive breeding and conservation centre with one of the largest collections of birds of prey in the North.

For more information visit www.thorpperrow.com