A CHRISTCHURCH grandad has added a Silent Soldier to a collection of wooden characters on display in his front garden.

Robert Hancock was disappointed to discover the town so far has only one silhouette of a soldier in preparation for First World War commemorations.

So he created a wooden figure and placed it among others in the garden of his Edward Road, Somerford home.

Mr Hancock, 67, has been creating wooden figures for several years.

He told the Daily Echo: "I used to be a painter and decorator and I also had a keen interest in carpentry.

"I no longer work because I am a full-time carer but sometimes I get a bit of time to spare and I enjoy making the characters.

"I have got the AFC Bournemouth football team and I've also made some Star Wars characters including Darth Vader and R2-D2."

Mr Hancock said passers-by often stop to look at his creations and that he is currently working on a figure of children's TV favourite Peppa Pig.

He added: "My granddaughter loves Peppa Pig so I though it would be nice for the children to look at."