PENSIONER Ed Baldwin has been making wooden gifts bearing the Leigh Borough coat of arms for quarter of a century.

The seventy-five year old of Bickershaw produces a huge range of hand-made clocks, penholders and miniature furniture in his garden shed. He took to the craft after being forced to leave his market trader's job due to ill-health and now enjoys his work immensely.

Unfortunately, Mr Baldwin says, few people seem interested in his beautifully made items even though he only asks cost price for them and can make gifts to order. A few pieces have been sold but a lot are given to relatives, friends and good causes for raffles.

But next month when Rugby League legend Alex Murphy becomes an Honorary Leyther he will be presented with a delightful mantle clock bearing the Leigh coat of arms -- one of Mr Baldwin's creations.

Despite the fact Leigh Borough has not existed for 29 years Mr Baldwin believes many people will want mementos of Leigh's past.

His handiwork is on view at 625 Bickershaw Lane.