A TRIBUTE to a woodcarving student-turned lecturer who died earlier this year, and work by a blind artist, feature at a sculpture exhibition in Fareham.

Westbury Manor Museum, on West Street, is showing the work of students at woodwork classes held in Portchester and Fareham, until Wednesday, November 11.

Fareham College woodcraft tutor Brian Dodge highlighted the work of blind sculptor Ron Flanders, of Alverstoke, for a mention.

He said: "Ron is an amazing man, he does much better than many sighted craftsmen in making beautiful pieces of work.

"The only way he creates his works is by touch, which is a talent in itself, and they are excellent. He also manages never to cut himself, which shows his delicate skill.''

Mr Flanders has been blind since he was 11, and won a student of the year award for his work at Fareham College.

His exceptional work includes a yacht heeling in the wind and a nude model, which was carried out by using a scale still-life model.

The most moving work is that staged for a memorial to former woodcarving student turned tutor, Bill Pinny, who died earlier this year.

Mr Pinny was renowned for his expertise in creating wooden love spoons. Fellow wood artist Pat Sparks created pieces of work in his memory.

Mr Dodge said: "He was very good at love spoons and one has been carved especially for the show.''

The exhibition is free and open to 5pm, Monday to Friday, and to 4pm, on Saturdays.