BASKETMAKER Paul Weir of Stanbridge has had some unusual commissions in his time as a weaver.

For his latest, he has been asked to produce a basket for the ship's bell of HMS Richmond, something he feels is a "great privilege".

The project began after a fellow basketmaker suggested Paul for the job. "This came about through Colin Manthorpe, a retired basket maker. He was originally offered the job, but he recommended me for it," Mr Weir told the LBO.

"The original basket had been stolen when the ship was being renovated so I was asked to create a new one".

The bell basket holds particular significance on board a Royal naval vessel, Paul explained. "The origins behind this go back to the days of Nelson. Men were press-ganged in from the streets to join the navy, and when they went to battle many of them had never been christened.

"They would go to the captain and say 'I might not be here tommorow, so I'd like to be christened'. The bell would then be turned upside down, filled with water and used as a font.

"The ship's bell is still used today. Many serving members have their children christened in the same manner as before."

Paul constructs all of his items using traditional methods, which can be time consuming but the finished product is of high quality. "Including the frame it takes around 12 or 14 hours work to produce, but the basket itself took a day.

"The frame was made from marine ply, cut to the size required by the ship. When that is all glued and screwed in I build the basket around it.

"We make the basket in the traditional manner. We do all the weaving, then a series of French Randing and then when you get to the top you have got to coil the border all round."

Paul's work ranges from hanging baskets and bins to some quite bizarre requests, but he admits this is something he likes about the trade. "I enjoy a challenge. I am getting a reputation as someone who will take on the projects other people don't want. When the phone goes we don't have a clue what the next inquiry is going to be."

One of the more unusual pieces Paul has been commissioned was a giant wicker statue. "The Wickerman was made for a company called Vic Fearn, who specialize in customised coffins. They commissioned us to make a wicker man the same as the one in the Edward Woodward film. It was 7ft high and ended up being exhibited in this country and in Germany.

In fact, Paul says that wicker coffins are one of his popular products. "I make about two or three coffins a year.