THE annual Sculptree festival of wood at Westonbirt Arboretum saw something of a special event this year when sculptor Dave Johnson took on the challenge of carving a memorial to the Battle of Trafalgar.

The largest woodcraft festival in the UK, the event attracts hundreds of visitors who flock to see sculptors from all over the world at work.

Dave, who helps run the festival and has been a professional sculptor since 1990, carved the memorial tree out of one planted by order of Nelson in 1802.

Nelson foresaw the need for durable oak by the navy and ordered the planting of millions of acorns.

The tree Dave carved will eventually be put on display in Kent.

"I was just so moved by the history of the great oak and its intended purpose as wood for the naval fleet that I felt the need to create a sculpture that encapsulated its heritage," said Dave, who was commissioned by the Woodland Trust.

Other sculptors included Australian born "chainsaw chick" Angie Polgaze, who created a piece called Tree Spirit and Edward Harrison, who sculpted a giant eagle,

An auction of sculptures raised cash for Tree Aid, which helps conservation projects in Africa.