THE spotlight of publicity will be trained on an artisan craftsman hidden away in a tiny Blackdown Hills village on Saturday (October 7).

Spencer Roberts has been quietly trading for some time from his farm studio in Clayhidon,

But now he is opening the doors to his studio to the public for the first time to show off the woodworking skills which have helped him do business for clients around the world.

Cream First Furniture specialises in up-cycling, renovating, and reclaiming ‘oldie worldie bits and bobs’.

The business, which is based in Applehayes Lane, produces bespoke quality hand-made furniture and household items such as tables, benches, and stools from antique, vintage, and upcycled ‘quirky objects’.

A spokeswoman for the business said: “The open day is an opportunity not just for the Blackdown Hills community but people from anywhere to drop in and see how all sorts of objects which might otherwise be discarded can be turned into useful and attractive items of furniture.

“They can can pop along to browse a range of quality handmade furniture and household items or discuss their furniture designs, and enjoy some light refreshments at the same time.”

Mr Roberts is sharing his event with nearby Flintstone Flock Sheepskins and Woven Wares which will be showcasing woollen wares locally-made using fleece from a flock of pedigree Jacobs and Ryelands sheep.

Flintstone will present a selection of rare breed sheepskins, woven wares, and mosaic rugs in various sizes.

Ryelands are one of Britain’s oldest native sheep breeds whose wool became much valued and was said to originally have been used to stuff the Lord Chancellor’s seat in the House of Lords.

Saturday’s open day will run from 10 am until 4 pm and if successful could be followed by further events.