THE sheesham is one of the most beautiful trees of India.

It can usually be found growing near to rivers in Jodhpur and Rajasthan and is able to grow in monsoon and drought conditions and in temperatures from below freezing to a stifling 40 degrees.

Known as "Indian Rosewood" it is one of the finest cabinet furniture and veneer timbers in the world with a rich golden to dark brown hardwood and sapwood that ranges from pure white to an eye-catching pale brownish white.

They can be very large trees up to 25 metres high and three metres in diameter, although they are usually much smaller.

But it is not necessary to travel almost halfway around the world to see the wonderful furniture made from this remarkable wood.

Since Easter a wide range of sheesham furniture has been on sale from Crest, a new store on Stourport's Sandy Lane Industrial Estate.

"Sheesham furniture started to become popular about five years ago but the number of shops selling it remain very limited," said store manager Gill Hiley.

"This is very special furniture made from solid wood with great appeal for people who want solid and rustic furniture made from a high quality wood. With sheesham furniture nothing is tacked or stapled. It is well made solid furniture.

"Furniture can be stained or made in natural wood that has a very distinctive grain and has a light appearance with a stripy-type effect that is extremely eye - catching."

Items made from sheesham include traditional dining tables and chairs, coffee tables, dressers and bedroom furniture - all of it made in India and imported.

Although the store has only been open for a few weeks word is already getting around and customers are coming to Stourport from as far away and Worcester and Malvern.

"Despite its growing appeal there are only a limited number of places that stock sheesham furniture," said Gill.

Prices are surprisingly reasonable for such high quality and robust furniture with a dinning table and set of chairs costing £750.

Crest is making this even better value with a special offer in which a free coffee table is included when a table and chair set is purchased.

Crest not only sells excellent furniture but also can supply and fit the flooring for it to stand upon.

The flooring side of the business offers customers a range of natural, pure wood and stain resistant carpets.

Also available are ceramic floor tiles, cushioned and solid wood flooring.

"Our flooring range is fabulous and goes really well and complements the various items of sheesham furniture that we sell," added Gill.

All of this is under one roof in a large and modern showroom with ample car parking nearby.