A CHAINSAW wood carver has been given the Royal seal of approval by being commissioned to create a wood sculpture for Sandringham.

Harry Thomas, 53, from Kinnerton, was contacted last week to create a sculpture of a red squirrel for the royal country retreat.

He said: “I’ve just been commissioned to make a five foot squirrel out of redwood, which will take me about four or five days to complete.” Mr Thomas has been involved in wood carving for around 16 years and enters numerous competitions.

Last year he took part in the English Open Chainsaw competition at Tatton Park in Manchester where he came first in his class of the 10-hour chainsaw event. His winning piece of a howling wolf was bought by the competition organiser who presented it to Sandringham estate as a gift. The estate also has a sculpture of boxing hares created by Mr Thomas.

He has also just completed a five foot stag with real antlers which was commissioned by the Welsh venison centre.

His son, Danny, 22, is now following in his father’s footsteps and has also enjoyed success in the chainsaw wood carving competitions.

This year Harry is being sponsored by Makita chainsaws after he won the English Open Chainsaw competition and came second in the European Open Chainsaw competition.

For more information about chainsaw carving events go to www.living heritagecountryshows. co.uk