'Doug Graves' lifts the lid on Bristol craft exhibition

Walking stoically through Shirehampton as Victorian undertaker 'Doug Graves' certainly raises a few eyebrows.

With a long white moustache, a top hat, tails and holding a cane, Mr Graves, played by Dick Helme, cuts a dark, ghostly figure as he walks stoically through the autumn leaves. But rather than a macabre Halloween costume this is one of a series of fancy dress outfits designed to attract the public into the village's annual craft exhibition.

The day before, Mr Helme played a heel thumping sheriff, before that a cowboy and today, for the last day of the show, he will be a green man.

Walking the streets of the village he has been popping into the local hairdressers, butchers and bakers everyday to tempt the locals to admire the local craftsmanship.

The exhibition, held in the village hall, displays patchwork, knitting, woodwork and jewellery, and has been running for the last 25 to 30 years. With work from craft makers in Lawrence Weston, Sea Mills and the Shire, it has prompted clubs to form, such as the patchwork and lace craft club.

Organiser Pat Davidson, 67, said: "It has been really successful this year, we've had people from all over, one lady from Clevedon. I think it's because the weather's been good, and we've had the help of Mr Graves of course... I dread to think what he will come dressed as next."

Mr Helme added: "I like dressing up as Wild West characters, I've got a lot of the gear at home. Yesterday I stopped a bus and entertained all the passengers. I just love to make people laugh."

The exhibition is running today from 10-4pm. Entry is just 50 pence.