CHILDREN from a Bradley Stoke school had the chance to see chainsaw sculptor Andy O'Neill at work as he turned a fallen tree into three benches.

The youngsters from Wheatfield Primary went along to Jubilee Green in the town, where Andy is carving the sweet chestnut tree into the unusual seats.

One features bees and honeycomb, which will be placed in the meadow next to the community forest path near Savages Wood.

Another is carved as an apple core and will go in the community orchard in the Three Brooks local nature reserve, while the Howard Davis memorial bench of swans and frogs will be placed by Davis Pond on Jubilee Green.

The project is being funded by South Gloucestershire Council, which has given an environmental grant of £1,800, and Bradley Stoke Town Council.

While Andy was at work, the schoolchildren were able to see how the carvings were made and ask questions.

Another piece of work he created – a green man carved into the trunk of a declared dangerous tree and was due to be cut down – can be seen at the Wick Golden Valley nature reserve. Green Man is traditionally seen as a guardian of the forests and a symbol of new life and hope in spring.