Arnold Laver Timber World has supplied sheets of Latvian birch plywood to help a Sheffield pensioner make rocking horses.

The company’s Mosborough outlet supplied the sheets to Roy Ashforth, who was inspired to make the Victorian-style steeds by a television programme.

Mike Reeves, call collect manager of the store, said: “This is certainly one of the more unusual uses of our products but we’re delighted to be able to provide Roy with the type of wood he needs to make such charming items.”

&#8220This is one of the more unusual uses of our products but we’re delighted to be able to provide Roy with the type of wood he needs to make such charming items”

Mike Reeves, Arnold Timber World call collect manager

Mr Ashforth’s rocking horses are about 2ft 6in long and more than 3ft tall. About 10 laminates are used for each horse, with sections made separately and then glued together.