Model of a First World War tank in willow

Ex-serviceman David Joddrell is creating the living sculpture of a First World War tank from willow on the main road at Healey Corner

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A cleverly crafted half-scale model of a First World War tank is being constructed on the gateway into Rossendale from Rochdale.

Ex-serviceman David Joddrell is creating the living sculpture from willow on the main road at Healey Corner.

Because the willow is alive it will continue to grow throughout the summer and the trees’ branches will be continuously woven into the structure making it more solid.

David was an armourer in the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers and was based in Germany and Cyprus and had two tours in Northern Ireland.

He has been a member of Haslingden-based charity Veterans In Communities (VIC) for two years.

Whitworth Neighbourhood Forum allocated a grant to VIC for the project, which is part Operation 100 (Bacup War Graves).

It will see works completed in Whitworth Memorial Gardens and a further willow arch will be built over steps in the gardens.

David, 62, from Bacup, said: “I am creating a First World War Mark Four male tank. It will have a gun sponson on either side, which will hold cannon, and there will also be a willow machine gun at the front.

“I have deliberately left the back of the tank open so that children will be able to go inside it. I have no plans, the designs for it are all in my head and I have been working on them for six months.”

The build was expected to take about 15 days, but David has made rapid progress and is hoping it will be finished within the week.

Once the sculpture is complete, the area around will be planted with poppy seeds specially imported by VIC from Belgium.

David took up willow sculpting in 2008 and with a team of three built a one third scale model of Concorde at Manchester Airport and a full size willow Stephenson’s Rocket at Rainhill Primary School, St Helens.

He said: “We have a licence for four years which will cover the duration of the First World War and we will be maintaining the tank throughout. If the community want to keep it after then I will teach them how to maintain it.”

David said: “I got into a bit of depression for various reasons and it was suggested that I join the VIC art group. I have always been creative and I have managed to sell two of my paintings and had one on exhibition in Devon.

“I like to make things and VIC has helped me because it has given me a focus. It is a good community and there is always someone to talk to and someone who is willing to listen.”

VIC is based at Bury Road, Haslingden, and runs outreach throughout East Lancashire and the Rochdale areas.