A TALENTED York wood carver has donated a handmade rocking horse to Martin House Children's Hospice, at Boston Spa.

John Church, 57, of Burton Stone Lane, has taken nine weeks to make the old-fashioned toy. It is made out of solid mahogany and has been painstakingly polished.

John, who is learning to carve wood at Askham Bryan College, said: "It's such a beautiful thing. I'm sure the kids will enjoy riding on it.

"The hospice is absolutely delighted."

Updated: 12:24 Monday, December 30, 2002