A CARPENTER born and raised in Hyndburn is hoping people in his former home town can help him complete a unique project.

Graham Yates grew up in Oswaldtwistle but has since moved to Wales, where he set up shop as a joiner and cabinet maker more than three years ago.

Graham, 42, now lives in Penybontfawr, Powys, with his wife Jean, 43, in a house which also forms his workshop. But he has remembered his roots as he tries to get a new project off the ground. Graham wants to build a solid oak bath big enough for two people - and hopes Ossy folk can supply him with the tools of his trade. He said: "As a boy, my bedroom window overlooked a cooper's yard in Bright Street where they used to make barrels. The tools the coopers used would be ideal to help me make the bath and I'm trying to track down anyone who might still have them.

"I've been trying to get this bath going for about two years. I wanted to make it the old fashioned way without using power tools and I thought using the cooper's tools might add a bit of character."

Graham hopes to patent the idea and have the bath ready to display at the Shrewsbury Flower Show next summer. The tools he needs include adzes, like a gouge; augers, a type of axe; planes; round staves for cutting grooves; and drawknives.

Graham added: "You can't get these tools any more. It would be great if someone who has them could let me borrow them. They would only be used by me and not sold on."

Anyone who can help Graham can call him on 01691 870602.

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