PETER Benson's passion for wood carving began as a child when he was evacuated to Suffolk from his home in Ilford during the war.

"Everyone had a pocket knife in those days," he says. "There was nothing else to do, so I used to make daggers and planes and stuff as a kid."

Today, 71-year-old Peter is the Chairman of the British Wood Carvers Association, can command thousands of pounds for his work and has several projects on proud display at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

Based in Billericay, the former PE and special needs teacher is primarily a wood carving instructor and teaches the traditional craft all over the world.

"People say, it's ok for you, you've got a gift," says Peter. "But I don't believe that. I think you can do anything you want to if you put your mind to it. I don't believe that some people are creative and some aren't.

"If I didn't believe that, I wouldn't have been able to teach special needs because all of them believe they can't do anything."

From the Women's Institute to horticultural groups, Peter gives talks on how to carve objects from wood and by the end of the day, even the biggest sceptic has created something recognisable.

In huge demand in France, Australia and America as a traditional European wood carver, Peter spends more time teaching others than making his own elaborate masterpieces. Not that he minds.

"I've been chairman of the British Wood Carvers Association for 11 years and our brief is to promote wood carving, which I'm so passionate about," Peter explains.

"One of my students asked me recently, do you get more pleasure out of your own carving or something one of your pupils has done and I realised I had never really done anything I had been proud of. There are maybe two pieces ever that I can say I am really proud of but that's it."

Peter's Billericay home that he shares with fellow carver and partner Marlene, is littered with wooden carvings, a large proportion of which are dogs, horses and gymnasts.

"You carve what you know," he says. "My mum bred dogs and we've always been into horses and of course I spent years looking at gymnasts through my job."

But you don't have to wander through Peter's home to see the fruits of his labour.

A proud resident of Billericay, Peter carved one of the town's signs and a second for it's twinned town in Massachusetts, Billerica. He even went along to help put it up.

Peter runs beginners and advanced courses in wood carving at his home.

An introductory day gives beginners a chance to get a taste of what wood carving is like, but Peter says everyone will have made something to keep by the end of the day.

"Most of the time, people come and have a go and they get hooked," he says. "If they like it they can join the association and come here on a regular basis."

Only three people are on the course at a time, which costs £40. Call or email Peter for details as the courses do not run on set days.

For more information, email bencarve@talktalk.net or call 01277 623063.