A RETIRED dairy farmer has found an inventive way to subsidise his in-come by making models of people's favourite animals from willow branches.

Brian Clarkson, 65, of Willow Farm, North Bradley, is working around the clock to meet next week's Christmas deadline for orders of willow models.

Mr Clarkson said: "I have just been commissioned to make my first cow which is proving a challenge. My models are in shops all over Dorset and Wiltshire and now I have a lot of people ringing up with orders especially for Christmas.

"I started making the animals about three years ago and once you get an idea I think why waste it?

"The business has really taken off because I think it's something different. It has really gone beserk."

Wood for the models comes from willow cuttings when trees on the farm are pruned each year.

This Christmas he will be donating 25 per cent of the sale of each animal to charity.

He said: "This sort of business is completely sustainable because the wood is there anyway.

"I absolutely adore making these creatures, and making something creative out of what you have at your disposal is really satisfying."