JACK Eva is a familiar sight sitting at his front window busily engrossed in his latest sewing project.

Jack, of Duncan Street, Horwich, has become something of an expert at tapestry pictures, usually counted cross-stitch or half cross-stitch, which he invariably gives away to people who admire them.

Jack aged 83, took up sewing five years ago during his late wife's illness and has been hooked ever since.

Something of a handyman, Jack does all his own picture framing and has even devised an ingenious work stand for making his tapestries, comprising two stair lintels, a wooden clamp for the picture, a magnetic clipboard for his patterns, a large magnifying glass and a sewing machine light. Such is its success he's even had a request from someone to make another.

Like an avid reader, Jack has always got to be working on some picture or another. "Once I start something, I've got to get it finished and then when I've finished it, I'm looking for something else to do. I don't design my own patterns I haven't got the patience for that, but I have got a knack of picking colours although sometimes I get help. You've got to have some aptitude for it."

A former policeman in Bolton, Jack retired in 1959 but has always remained busy and active. He and his wife used to be puppy walkers for the National Guide Dogs for the Blind. He now spends a lot of his time as a volunteer driver for St Ann's Hospice Little Hulton where he also passes on the odd sewing tip to patients.

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