A dead tree has been given new life thanks to the work of a local sculptor.

Rose Badger, a sculptor and designer from Knaresborough, was commissioned to carve an owl and other woodland animals into the remaining piece of trunk, belonging to a blue cedar tree at Tadcaster Grammar School.

The tree, which had been a main feature in the garden at the front of the reception area for the last 30 years, was the victim of winter storms and had to be felled for safety reasons.

Rose’s work is inspired by her love of nature and wildlife and ranges from native wildlife to wild animals from around the world and to more abstract organic forms and furniture. A chainsaw is used to carve nearly all her works.

Rose, a former college lecturer, said: “This process is very dynamic and exciting, as well as very noisy. It is very physical and requires both strength and skill.”

Chainsaw carving is now practised all over the world, but Rose is one of the few women in Britain who produce work in this way.