A 'CRAFTY' Dromara couple with a burning passion for woodwork have picked up what they hope will be the first of many awards.
Trish and Martin Verner of Hillside Crafts were awarded first prize for the best trade stand at the annual agricultural show in Castlewellan.
The couple, in business now for only two years, didn't even realise when the judges came calling and lifting the award came as a pleasant surprise.
"We couldn't get over it," said Trish. "Martin is delighted.
"We knew nothing about it and it took us by surprise but it's nice when someone else shows that kind of appreciation for what you're doing."
Trish and Martin moved to the Dromara area some 18 years ago, raising daughter Ruth, who helps out with her parents' business when she's not studying at Dundee to become a teacher.
The Verners operate Hillside Crafts from a mobile at their Artana Road home, it having started out as a part-time pursuit for Martin, who had left his work as a joiner to care for Trish when she fell ill.
Martin has been working with wood since he left school, serving his apprenticeship at J.P. Corry's in Belfast.
His craftwork is a labour of love, particularly the speciality that has been earning Hillside Crafts so much acclaim – pyrography.
The process involves burning inscriptions into the various items he creates, from wooden spoons and horseshoes to plates and plaques and children's stools and chairs bearing their names and dates of birth.
Much of Martin's work involves producing personalised items for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and other occasions.
He also makes and decorates traditional carved rocking horses, which differ in that each has its own time-capsule chamber built in.
"He makes them all here from scratch," said Trish. "He works at it flat out, but he loves it. It's about always looking for something that little bit different."
In the past, Martin has also turned his hand towards everything from fashioning hymn-boards, signs and even baptismal fonts for churches in Dromore and Dromara, to refurbishing classrooms.
But today it is the pyrography from which he takes most satisfaction and it is examples of that art that he takes with him on the circuit of shows and exhibitions.
There, depending on the availability of an electricity supply, he demonstrates his skill at inscribing even the smallest items by turning out personalised keyrings and the like.
Trish, meanwhile, produces a range of handmade cards and stationery, including gift boxes.
Since picking up their award at Castlewellan, Trish and Martin have already attended a heritage exhibition at Dunluce Castle and were due this week to attend another at Carrickfergus Castle.
Examples of Martin's work can be viewed online at www.craftfairsandevents.com