A RICH furniture-making tradition in North Yorkshire is being celebrated with the publication of new trail.

Thirsk and its surrounding villages have become renowned for the number of independent furniture makers in the area, such as Robert Thompsons, the Kilburn “Mouseman.”

Now the work of nine independent furniture companies is featured in a hew brochure, the Thirsk Furniture Trail.

It has been master-minded by Justin Bartlett, the owner and managing director of Treske, an award-winning manufacturer of bespoke furniture in Thirsk.

“We are holding an open day to highlight the trail on Monday, May 5, when all the furniture companies in the Thirsk area will be open to receive visitors,” he said.

“Our brochures, however, are out now. They can be picked up in each of the furniture makers on the tour and also at Tourist Information Centres, visitor centres, pubs and guest houses.”

Mr Bartlett explained: “There is no doubt that the amazing legacy of Robert Thompson, the Mouseman of Kilburn, is thriving in the Thirsk and its surrounding villages.

“The area is rich in cabinet-making skills and has a wealth of furniture-making companies with workshops and showrooms for all to see and enjoy.

“We feel it is right to shout about these companies and the splendid work they do. Not only do they produce furniture of the highest quality, they also provide skilled and sustainable employment for local people and provide a timely boost to the North Yorkshire economy.”

The nine featured furniture makers are: Treske, Thirsk; Beaver Furniture, Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe; Design In Wood, Thirsk; Old Mill Furniture, Balk; Carthouse Furniture, Carlton Miniott; Graham Duncalf, Bagby; Squirrel Woodcarvers, Husthwaite; Coxwold Cabinet Makers, Coxwold; and Wren Cabinet Makers, Thirlby.

Visit thirskfurnituretrail.co.uk