THE remains of a 122-year-old ash tree are being transformed into a striking sculpture at the Thorp Perrow Arboretum near Bedale.

Last August, the D&S Times issued a challenge on behalf of the owner, Sir John Ropner, who hoped the stump could be turned into a magnificent carving to mark the setting up of a falconry centre.

The appeal fired the imagination of Dave Shires, co-founder of the Durham and North Yorkshire Region of the Woodcarvers' Association, based at High Coniscliffe School.

He contacted club member Ian Wardle, a retired art teacher, who was inspired by the bird of prey centre to produce a drawing of a male and a female falconer casting their birds into the air.

By Christmas, the two men had started carving a miniature of their design from a piece of birch which was accepted by Sir John.

This week, Mr Shires said: "Now, we are slightly more than half way. We started on May 6 and it is going fairly well. We have had some anxious moments interspersed with absolute elation when we have got away with something tricky.

"We have hit some problems and had to work them out. The thing about a tree is that it is fixed at one end. You can't turn it upside down to get it into the best position.

"It is a technically difficult piece, even if it had been free standing."

Initially, the stump was 10ft 2ins high and it has been brought down to about 9ft 6ins.

The hot, dry weather has called a halt to the work because the sun was making it too brittle. The carvers have oiled the tree and intend to leave it until Monday when an inspection will be carried out.

"There is the danger of a big crack appearing and the project is far too valuable to just bash on," he said.

"It is beginning to take shape and we are surprised at the number of people who keep coming back to see how we are getting on."

He said he and Mr Wardle, from Aldborough St John, who did the design, had a fantastic working partnership. "I am the artisan and we are learning from each other".

Another club member, Mary Cooper, a former art teacher and a stone sculptor, has also been involved in the project which they hope will be completed by the end of July

Sir John said: "It has been fascinating watching the image materialise, and has caused a great deal of interest for the visitors.

"It will be a wonderful feature for the arboretum and for our visitors to enjoy for many years to come.

The carving group will have a stand at Durham Show on July 12 and 13 to display its work.