NESTLED in the heart of Fulwood is a local craftsman who has brought a smile to many young faces with his beautiful collection of dainty dolls' house furniture.

Retired toy-maker Brian Maxwell, pictured, is a master of his trade after making hundreds of tiny scale dolls' house accessories, all crafted to perfection.

After putting together his first model aeroplane as a lad, Brian, of The Court, has been hooked on building scale models.

Brain, who is married with two children and five grandchildren, says he enjoys the creative challenge and is not put off by the tricky corners.

His best model is one of a hand-crafted rocking horse which he made for his granddaughter 14 years ago.

The carefully constructed scale rocking-horse was the first that Brian had built, using seasoned timber and real leather for the horse's tack.

To add the finishing touches he even used a lock of his granddaughter's hair for the horse's main before handing it to the little girl as a present. Today, the rocking horse still adorns the young girl's dressing table.

Brian said: "Making scale dolls house furniture is always something I've enjoyed doing since I was a young boy even though it takes lots of patience. I simply love doing it and find it very relaxing."

Model enthusiasts will be glad to know that there is exhibition of Brian's work at Samlesbury Hall, on Tuesday, May 11 to Sunday, May 16, from 11am to 4.30pm daily (except Monday) alongside a mixed craft stand by members of the Lytham Cancer Research Campaign. Admission £2.50 (adults) £1 (children).

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.