GIVEN a piece of wood and a set of carving tools, retired builder Bob Davies can create anything.

From love spoons to totem poles - if anyone can, the man known as "Bob the builder" can.

He has carved thousands of love spoons during the last 20 years, and has sold them to people from as far way as China and New Zealand. Every love spoon Bob, 74, makes is different from any other, and every penny he makes he donates charity.

Bob has been raising money for Newport's Royal Gwent and St Woolos Hospital Cardiology Fund for 14 years, following the death of his wife Margaret in 1991. Now he has been nominated for our charity champion award.

Margaret suffered from heart valve problems for many years before she died, aged 62. The couple visited the hospital regularly for treatment during Margaret's illness and became close to staff at the hospital Bob, of Bowden Lane, Penhow, Newport, said: "It's a local charity that is treating local people.

"Heart problems are actually quite common. "When Margaret was ill the hospital were really good to us so I decided to sell my carvings for the hospital instead of just giving them away. The hospital is now one of the best equipped in the country."

Bob has raised tens of thousands of pounds for the hospital, which has recently built a new cardiology unit.

His carving has also helped the community in many other ways. He has made a friendship bench for Thornberry School, Bulwark, Chepstow, where children go to sit if they are upset. A fellow pupil will then go to comfort them.

He was sponsored to make the bardic chair for the Eisteddfod in Newport last year, raising £1,000, and he created a 50 ft totem pole, which stands at Dewstow Golf Club at Caerwent.

Bob was nominated by his friend Ros Crosswaite, of Balmoral Road, Newport, who said: "Bob is a true charity champion and works exceptionally hard to raise money for the hospital."