FOUR dead trees on a Gwent farm are being given a new life as works of art.

Christine Long, who runs the organic Troy Farm at Mitchel Troy with husband Graham, was taken aback when she received an unusual request.

Cardiff-based artist Philippa Lawrence turned up in their yard one day and asked if she could "wrap" the chestnut trees.

"I said yes straightaway, she was so enthusiastic," said Mrs Long.

Ms Lawrence took three days to wrap the first tree with white cloth and the result is spectacular. She returned this weekend to continue with her plans to wrap the others in different colours - blue, orange and black.

Her partially completed work has already drawn comments from people visiting a nearby garden centre who can clearly see the tree.

Mrs Long is also impressed with the wrapped tree which she described as "absolutely beautiful".

Troy Farm has been in the family for many years and they have dairy cows, beef and sheep. Ms Lawrence, who has a first class honours degree in Fine Art, is well-known for taking everyday objects and transforming them.

One website said: "She has an eye for life's details and her work illustrates an evident delight in the stuff that surrounds us."

She has exhibited in Canada, Australia and the Czech Republic, and now aims to wrap at least one tree in every one of the 13 old counties in Wales.

She received a £10,000 Arts Council of Wales Creative Wales Award for the project called 'Bound', which involves identifying 13 trees, and wrapping them in materials such as white linen, rockwool and aluminium.

The sites must be visible from a road so that people passing by can see the artwork.