The scent of freshly-cut timber was in the air at Leavesden Country Park last week, as chainsaw artist William Lee fashioned a sculpture from a fallen tree.

Commissioned by Three Rivers District Council, the piece was inspired by designs by pupils from Breakspeare, St Pauls and Parmiters, St Catherine of Sienna and Abbots Langley schools.

Mr Lee, 27, who has received commissions from all over the world for his chainsaw art, said: “I’d been asked to create a totem pole on the other side of the park last year and, following the success of that, I was asked to shape this fallen tree into a carved bench.

“Children from the local schools submitted loads of designs for the piece and although there were some stand-out sketches, we decided to pick the most common themes and incorporate that into the design.”

Breakspeare School, which cares for children with severe learning difficulties, submitted a much-celebrated “Gerry the Giraffe” design which is now a focal point on the bench.

Jackie Davis, from the school, brought a group along to watch the work being carried out. She said: "It's absolutely fantastic and a great sensory experience for our children".

It took five days for Mr Lee to shape the fallen tree into a bench and has attracted a lot of positive attention.

Ricky Manning, community arts development officer, said: “We were delighted with the response from schools and William Lee has done an incredible job bringing the designs to life.

“It's a magical piece of public art for all to enjoy."

To view more of William Lee’s chainsaw designs visit www.chainsaw-carvings.co.uk