WHEN award-winning blacksmith Bill Carter was asked to make a 30-foot "upside-down shuttlecock" he thought he was having his leg pulled.

But it was no joke - it was a controversial design for the Welfare State International theatre and arts building in Ulverston.

And now the creation is about to be transported from the Trapp Forge in Simonstone to its new home.

Bill, 34, son of master blacksmith Ron Carter, said the spire was the largest thing ever made at the forge.

It will be used to support a satellite dish and has caused more than its fair share of controversy among Ulverston residents.

It is about to travel in three parts to Manchester to be weather-proofed with an aluminium spray and assembled before being transported to Cumbria under police escort.

Bill said: "The spire has been described by residents opposing it as an upside-down shuttlecock, but I am delighted with it.

"It has been an interesting project and will look spectacular.

"It is the largest thing we have ever made and is certainly different!"

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