LINDLEY Infant School has a new mascot, an owl carved from a cherry tree.

Children at the East Street school watched in amazement as woodcarver John Adamson (pictured) created the owl from a dying tree.

The Hebden Bridge artist spent a day and a half in freezing winds and snow to carve the owl.

Headteacher Sue Drake said: "The children love it.

"They watched as the owl took shape and they were really interested.

"It is the perfect animal for us to have because we have a nature club called Observing Wildlife at Lindley School - Owls for short.

"I think it is wonderful. It really is a brilliant piece of art."

John, 54, used a chainsaw for the roughing down and more delicate handtools for the detailed work.

He said: "I decided to carve a tawny owl and the design is based on a specimen I found at Cliffe Castle Museum in Keighley."