A JACK of all trades has completed an adventurous project.

John Markey, 77, of Darfield, has whittled away the hours by working with wood for almost all of his life.

Last year, in August, the craftsman was struck by inspiration to make a blast from the past - a functional wooden rocking horse.

It isn’t the first time that John has made a rocking horse, having made one for his young son, aged 23.

The project was a labour of love, with John committing a few hours daily, until the horse was completed in November.

John challenged himself to create as much as he could for his project from scratch.

The horse was carved out of pine wood, with a hand crafted leather saddle and bridle, alongside real horse hair.

John’s dedication to quality didn’t stop there - he painted the horse a striking dapple grey colour, his vision coming to life.

John admitted that it was difficult to source the materials for his project, with the costs and rarity of parts being an unexpected challenge.

Overall, the rocking horse cost John around £250 to craft.

John didn’t want to profit from his project, with his intention always being to donate it to charity.

He attempted to donate the rocking horse to Barnsley Hospice, but unfortunately, due to logistical complications, the donation fell through.

Ever since, the horse has been stabled in John’s garage and it is still looking for a new home.

Despite not being a craftsman by trade, John also has experience in metal work and joinery - enjoying working with his hands to keep his mind busy.

John originally worked in the mining industry, then as a greengrocer.

He eventually passed his passion for crafts onto his two sons, who have worked as joiners.

John has a host of ambitious past projects, including a 15-foot canoe with over 4,500 copper nails, a banjo and a summer house.

He also enjoys crafting furniture, with his home boasting many pieces that he has built himself.

John told the Chronicle about the inspiration behind his rocking horse.

He said: “It was something on my mind, I thought about it for a while and said: ‘why not?’

“It’s another challenge.

“It wasn’t about money, it was for charity.

“I was happy to see it finished.

“I don’t want to sit about, being busy keeps you going.”