A SKILLED West Devon woodworker scooped a prize at this year?s South West Forest Woodfair, after his well crafted music cabinet caught the eye of judges.
Matthew McCann, who runs a furniture shop in Walkhampton, won first prize in the fine furniture category at the event, held recently at Roadford Lake.
Matt?s chest of drawers, which is designed to hold sheet music, was carved entirely from wood sourced locally, including English ash and cedar from Princetown.
Matthew was delighted with his win, which has earned him the opportunity to exhibit his work at the South West Woodland Show in September.
?I was very pleased the judges liked my work,? he said.
Callington woodturner David Trewin picked up second prize in the aesthetic woodwork category for his ten-inch vase made out of mulberry.
David said he sells his woodwork as a sideline to his beef farming business which suffered after foot and mouth disease.
The six categories in this year?s competition attracted more than 50 entries from across the region, offering visitors the chance to see the range of skills and applications to which locally grown wood can be put.
In all, around 2,200 people flocked to the lake to examine the work of more than 120 exhibitors.
South West Forest is keen to hear from local businesses and organisations willing to sponsor the cash prizes at next year's woodfair.
Anyone interested should telephone Jim White, woodland projects officer, on 01409 221896 or e-mail rjwhite@
devon.gov.uk