A DOCTOR and his family living in Australia are to receive a taste of home when a handcrafted dresser and chairs arrive.

Dr John Brougham and his wife are originally from Guisborough but now live in Victoria, where he is a general practitioner.

But when they wanted some new furniture, they placed an order with Beaver Furniture of Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe, near Thirsk. The company, which produces hand-made furniture, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

The distinctive Beaver trademark can be found on all its pieces.

Mr Colin Almack, who founded the company, died four years ago and the responsibilityfor maintaining the high standards passed to Mr David Glegg, his son-in-law, seen right.

Mr Glegg joined the company as an apprentice when he left school 15 years ago.

"Furniture we have made is exported all around the world, but this job was particularly nice to complete," he said. "The oak tree is a traditional symbol of Great Britain and represents many of the qualities we feel are distinctive about the furniture we make."

Every piece of furniture is hand-made on the premises, mostly in English oak, which is carefully selected and naturally seasoned at Beaver Lodge. Beaver furniture can be found in private homes and public buildings worldwide. Beaver Lodge craftsmen carved the woodwork in Southwark cathedral, to make a modern extension look in keeping with the rest of the cathedral.

The company's craftsmen serve a five-year apprenticeship before taking full responsibility for every piece they make, from original drawings to the final wax polish.