WOOD sculptor Andy Levy has transformed a 300-year-old beech tree into his latest work — a ‘Friendship seat’.

The inspiration for the sculpture at Milnthorpe Road, Kendal, was Andy’s friend Warren Megson, who took his own life in November 2012.

It was commissioned by freelance tree consultant Chris Raper and funded by South Lakeland District Council when the tree was deemed unsafe due to a deterioration in health.

Andy said: “From this dark cloud came a silver lining and the opportunity to inspire good and I was given creative licence to transform the remaining 12 feet of the stump.”

Andy explained that the sculpture, which took him six days to complete, was inspired by the strength shown by Warren’s friends and family a year on from the tragedy. “I recognise that we are all in this together and share the same suffering in life; we all love and feel the pains of loss.

“The beech is now a beacon for all to recognise this and to put aside any differences and be there for others; to make up for wrongs we have done and forgive those who hurt us.

“The two seats at the base of the sculpture face each other with the intention of provoking some deep communication where it is needed.

“Any number of thoughts and feelings weigh heavy on our minds at any given time and to keep them bottled up is a waste of life in my opinion.

“Take to the seat the person you need to talk to, be brave and let it out, shed the weight or share the load.”

Third generation craftsman Andy Levy is a time-served joiner, tree surgeon and wood sculptor.

His previous creations have included a six feet three inches ‘Gandalfian’ wizard in a private garden in Milnthorpe, and a throne seat in Kendal’s Fletcher Park, which features intricate carvings relating to the town’s history.