A craftsman with a string of distinguished work behind him is putting away his joinery tools with a heavy heart.

Well-known Ambleside joiner George Long is winding down his business after 37-years, saddened that no-one has come forward to take his place.

He says the demise of country trades is a tragedy.

"As people like me retire, the firms go as well.

Premises in the Lakes are worth a lot of money and it is not economic for joiners or builders to take them on."

Born and bred in Elterwater, Mr Long operated in Langdale until eight years ago.

He started his own business with £180, at the age of 22.

He was in partnership with George Brown for many years, before buying him out and moving to Ambleside.

Serving his time with G.

H.

Pattinson, builders in Windermere, Mr Long went on to work on the restoration of Coniston's Gondola, Whinlatter Visitor Centre, for the National Trust, Brathay and a string of Lakes organisations.

"I have done a lot of good work in the area.

I don't like to talk about it really, but I am proud of what I have left behind," he said.

He used to employ eight, but joiners have left in the run-up to Mr Long's retirement and only one apprentice remains.

The two are gradually working through existing contracts and not taking on any new ones.

Mr Long is looking forward to spending more time on his Skelwith Bridge farm, where he has built up a herd of 40 pedigree Limousin cattle.

"I can' t see that I'll ever finish with joinery completely," he admitted.

"I'll always be tempted to do the odd thing."