A BROMSGROVE man has continued a 100-year tradition after taking over as the blacksmith at Burcot Forge.

David Franklin took over the business in Alcester Road, Burcot, at the start of October.

The father of two lost his job at MG Rover when the Longbridge plant collapsed in April, and went on to briefly work as a boat maker.

But after failing to enjoy his post-Rover career, he and wife Sally jumped at the chance to take over at the forge.

"It feels great to be taking over a well-established business," he said.

"I've always been fabricating steel and things so when the chance came up here I jumped at it."

David did a six-week stint with the outgoing blacksmith while he got his feet under the table, and he is already enjoying the community vibe.

"There are eight small workshops here and everyone helps each other out," he said.

Sally, a nursery nurse at New College, spoke of her husband's excitement by the prospect of becoming a blacksmith.

"We decided to go and have a look at the forge and he was like a child in a sweet shop," she said.