FIREFIGHTER Tony Keane is used to saving roofs - now he's even found a use for the ones that are beyond repair!

Tony, 38, of Manor Road, is using old, reclaimed slates as an art-form. And he hopes publicity from an exhibition of his work at Darwen Library will lead to a successful venture.

He also plans to launch a website to sell his unusual creations which include picture frames and mirrors made from reclaimed slate from buildings in Darwen.

Tony has experimented during his spare time making placemats and coasters, and his latest venture is to make clocks and terracotta wall lights.

He said: "I have been experimenting with slate and slate designs for about five years. It started with a conversation with my wife to make an unusual picture frame.

"Little did I know I would end up spending hundreds and hundreds of hours experimenting with designs and techniques and the biggest problem I would have would be over which kind of adhesive to use! It has been a labour of love and hate during the last five years.

"All slates I use are reclaimed and have previously spent anything up to 150 years on a roof in Darwen. One of the large picture frames was made from slate used until a number of years ago on the Akash restaurant roof in Duckworth Street.

"They have been, marked, cut and dressed by myself at home without the aid of laser cutters and fancy machines.

"My work so far has gone to family and friends, with a number of special commissions including a small number of picture frames but mostly mirrors. I have also designed mirrors and light catchers for hanging inside and outside and have some hanging outside my own home.

"On a roof, only half of the slate is exposed to weathering so half of every slate I use has been exposed and the other half has been protected, varying in colour from top to bottom on each slate. This makes each piece unique.

"I am now designing more clocks and experimenting making terracotta wall lights and some time this year I hope to have a website up and running."

Around 23 exhibits are currently on display and for sale in the exhibition room at the library. The exhibition ends next Friday.

People interested in finding out more about Tony's unusual hobby can get in touch at keano125@tiscali.co.uk or on 01254 760738.