A COUPLE wants to turn a passion for creating wooden toys into a thriving family business.

Arran and Helena Hart have already won rave reviews for Harty’s Wooden Gifts, made in a shed at their Radcliffe home.

And they have passed on the tricks of their fledgling trade to sons Vincent, 14, and 11-year-old Austin.

Now the crafty pair have launched a £5,000 crowdfunding exercise to take their enterprise to the next level.

Former teacher Helena said: “ “We’re hoping to raise £5,000 to buy a more eco and child-friendly engraving machine than the one we have already to enable us to develop projects with local schools, promoting the importance of sustainability, recycling and reducing waste.

“The machine will be more efficient and allow youngsters to have a go at making something themselves.

Arran already works as a joiner and between them they have come up with a range of pictures frames, badges, earrings and more.

Their early endeavours have, despite lockdown, seen their thoughts turn to expanding their venture.

Helena added: “We are looking to take on an apprentice and eventually grow a small workforce which is much-needed in these challenging times.”

Their crowdfunding campaign meanwhile is offering a list of inducements.

“These rewards include a number of items including exclusive pin badges, luxury solid oak personalised luggage tags and a business merchandise package worth more than £350,” said Helena.

“We are truly in awe of the wonderful support we have seen already, but we have such a long way to go and hope that we can get the backing of local residents and businesses so we can grow and make a real difference to the community,”

You can find out more about their efforts online at hartys.co.uk and see the crowdfunding campaign, which runs until July 5, at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/our-products-dont-cost-the-earth