A NORTHUMBERLAND sculptor has told how he uses power-station ash blocks to make gravestones.

And John Davison says he has even has demand for eco-friendly pet memorials to be carved from the compacted waste product from incineration at Britain’s power stations.

With crosses shaped like dogs’ chewing bones, and pictures of bunnies, he has created several lasting memorials to families’ departed faithful friends.

The 31-year-old from Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, said: “I’ve had quite a few commissions off people. They’ve asked for a lot of things which I do on a regular basis but I’ve had other requests too.

“I’ve had gravestone requests, which is weird, but only for pets. That was one of my first ones that I had to do, for a couple of dogs. I’ve also done rabbits and things like that. I’ve done crosses with a bone across it and the name on it, and a plaque with a rabbit on it.

“It’s good because it lasts outside and they’re frost-resistant.”

The material, called Thermalite, is used in construction and is very light.

The former landscaper first came across the blocks in his dad’s garden when he was young. Later, his work took him to building sites and he picked up off-cuts to see if he could work with it.