CHIPPENHAM NEWS: DISABLED pensioner Ron Rogers has refused to let two strokes and being wheelchair-bound stop his model making hobby.

The 96-year-old, from York Close, Chippenham, has just completed a miniature carousel, which he takes round with him to entertain children and adults alike.

Mr Rogers suffered two strokes in 2000, leaving him with little use in his left hand and unable to walk. And he hopes his determination to remain active will spur other stroke patients on to do likewise.

He is also a keen artist and the recognised poet for Chippenham's University of the Third Age (U3A).

He said: "I've been a model maker all my life. The nurses said I had to keep my hands going.

"I used to do ornamental boxes, but then I decided to make a carousel. I've done it to get publicity for the U3A and to encourage people that they don't need to lose their skills if they have a stroke.

"I've got a great sense of humour because happiness carries you on."

At one stage after his strokes Mr Rogers was not sure if he would pull through, but he now has a number of artistic projects in the pipeline.

He said: "I was pretty seriously ill once so I made out an obituary notice.

"Soon I'm going to get a book published called Glastonbury Grail and I've also done a collection of short stories and two volumes of poetry. When I go I shall leave my lifetime's literary work behind."