CARPENTER and kitchen fitter John Fox has gone back in time to create a second career in his retirement - clog-making.

John, aged 62, of Harwood, is a former carpentry teacher, but it was an interest in Morris dancing that got him into his new job.

It all started when he was looking forward to retirement, but worried about becoming bored.

He talked to friends in a similar situation, but most did not seem to know what they wanted to do, either.

His brother James, a keen member of the Rumworth Morris dance side, got John involved with this traditional form of music and dancing.

Because of his working background, the wooden clogs soon became John's domain.

To learn the trade, he visited a clog-making workshop in Skelmersdale that was about to close, and filmed the whole process from start to finish.

This, combined with his carpentry knowledge, helped him to acquire the basic skills, and he built on these.

Now he has his own business called Foxy's Clogs, with a workshop in Gilnow Mill.

As well as making clogs for Morris dancers around the region, he also gives demonstrations of the ancient craft.

John attends dance festivals, where he is available to help the dancers.

"Usually the irons are coming loose on their clogs and Im able to nail them in properly," he said.

He added: "Clog-makers are a dying breed to a certain degree, so Ive taken that on board and given a commitment to the future."