A couple are putting the finishing touches to an extensive restoration project that has allowed them to realise their dream.

Like many residents in Callow End, Steve and Audra Allard were concerned after hearing a former blacksmith's forge and house was to be demolished and replaced with new housing.

They immediately put their own house on the market and made a bid to buy the property, which had been derelict for more than five years.

"It was a sealed bid so we were risking everything," said Steve, who is an established stonemason.

"We had 11 days to sell the house, people thought we were mad."

Luckily, the couple's house sold quickly and their bid was accepted.

They took over the forge a year ago and have transformed the derelict property, which they think dates from the early 1800s, into a comfortable family house and workshop.

Steve was born and bred in the Callow End and has inherited his skills as a stone mason through generations of his family.

He is now working from the property and hopes to set up a craft shop for other local craftsmen.

"Steve worked from our former house in the village but it was in a tucked away location," said Audra.

"The forge is ideal because it's on the road-side and people can wander in and have a look at his work."

The couple have tried to retain the building's history and have been given old photographs and advice from fellow villagers.

"Our neighbours have been extremely supportive," said Steve.

"Nobody wanted the old forge to be demolished, it's part of the village's history."

The couple and their two children, Lewis and Jessica, had to live in a caravan for nearly a year, while the house was being renovated.

"It was such a relief to finally move in," said Audra.

"The whole thing has been worth it though."