A WREXHAM man has been building a whole wooden world to spread joy in Borras.

Roy Griffiths started making wooden models during lockdown and has since captured the attention of his whole street.

He told the Leader how people would enjoy coming past on their daily walks during lockdown and spotting what creations he had put on display.

He said: “It kept me busy during lockdown and I’ve not really stopped since. People tell me its had a good response online with people taking and sharing pictures. I’m happy that these little men are giving people something to smile about.

“We’ve won the lottery round here with these lovely neighbours that have shown us so much support with this. They seem to get just as much joy out of seeing them as I do with making them.

“It really has been a conversation starter with our local neighbours. People stop, look and have a chat outside now which has been really nice.”

He created every wooden character and vehicle using a variety of offcuts and spare materials to do so. In all, he has made about 100 different figures and models – ranging from people to planes and buses.

The models include nurses, music bands and a special tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore.

The dad-of-one says that he alternates what goes out on display each day so that people have something new to spot each day. Children also enjoy coming to play with some of the interactable toys – including a zip line, swings and ski slopes for the wooden men.

He has encouraged people to make a donation to Hope House Children’s Hospice when they pass by and has raised virtually to date.

He added: “Children round here were bored to tears during the first lockdown. They all have a great time and I was told kids couldn’t wait to come and see Roy’s toys.

“Some children unfortunately don’t have anything to smile about. I’ve heard from a lady who manages the fundraising that there are about 45 people in the Wrexham area alone that rely on Hope House and have to deal with horrible things like cancer at such a young age.

“We set up a little banner and we’ve collected over £100 just from our little street alone to start.”

Roy gave a special thanks to his neighbour Joanne Andrews who helped boost the profile of his wooden wonderland online.

Cat Dowdeswell, Hope House’s area fundraiser for Wrexham, told the Leader how appreciative they were of Roy’s incredible effort making this incredible scene.

She said: “We want to say a massive thank you to Roy for all his hard work and thinking of ways to help the hospice too when we have cancelled lots of fundraising events that we rely on to keep our families supported.

“If anyone else feels inspired to take on a challenge – no matter how big or small – then we’re always happy to contact the hospice team and we can get things rolling.”

To contact the hospice fundraising team, go to https://www.hopehouse.org.uk/.