ALLURING wood and metalwork designs are now being turned out at Bransford's Foal Yard Gallery thanks to the arrival of two new artists.

Sharon McSwiney has moved there from Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, where she worked for 12 years, to set up a workshop and studio.

A specialist in designing and making metalwork, she has developed a range of jewellery, mobiles, wall hangings and handmade cards now sold nationally.

Her work is characterised by childlike images used in folk art decoration and textiles. Further information is available 01886 830125 or 01905 731088.

Dave Jackson is the other new arrival to set up shop at the Foal Yard. Described as a "green" woodworker, he turns wood cleared during conservation work into garden furniture and equipment and woven wood sculptures.

Visitors to the gallery can watch him use traditional tools, like the pole lathe and shaving horse, to create the works.

Many of the skills they will see him using have nearly died out, as the functional items they were used to create are no longer used today.

However, he is doing his best to make sure they are not lost forever by offering courses teaching the secrets of traditional woodwork. More information is available on 01684 899072.