Master in art of recycling

Hampel held an exhibition at his home last year, which he said was well received.

‘More than 150 people turned up and a lot of people placed orders,’ he said.

Hampel retired from being a primary school teacher several years ago to concentrate on his art.

He has since been working on a striking array of sculptured horses, cranes, dragons and many other animals ” both real and fictitious.

Hampel recently finished a massive dragon sculpture made of horseshoes, which serves as a playground for his grandchildren.

‘I work with what I’ve got ” I don’t believe in buying new things,’ he said.

‘We are in a farming community, we have to recycle ” it’s very important for me.’

Hampel is considering holding another exhibition in the Avon Valley, but has not yet set a firm date.