MATCHSTICK marvel Joseph Riley is about to strike again -- with the help of a local music shop.

Pensioner Joseph was fretting he might have difficulty finding a model for his latest ambitious project -- a full-size working guitar made out of matches -- when Apoco Music tuned in to his appeal.

And Joseph was delighted when the Bolton Street shop loaned him an instrument off which to model his creation.

Now the 68-year-old can get to work on the daunting scheme which he expects will take some 60,000 matches!

"When I've finished the guitar I expect it to be played," said Joseph, from Rivington View, Chorley.

Joseph appeared in the Citizen earlier this summer after finishing a matchstick model of a coach.

The Salford man has also made models for Pendlebury Children's Hospital, Manchester.

"I've always liked wood," revealed the former Pendleton timber firm employee who began modelling 14 years ago.

Joseph buys bags of special hobby matchsticks at £9 a time. "They have to be clean, they can't be dirty," explained.

"I will try to get the guitar finished after Christmas," added Joseph.

His wife Doreen is also eagerly waiting to see the fruition of many hours labour for his beloved hobby.

"She likes to see the finished article," said Joseph.