A woodturner from Cornwall is one of a number of people to receive grants aimed at increasing the earning power of the county's woodlands.

Robert Blackburn has been awarded Objective One funding to equip a workshop in his garden.

The Working Woodlands project makes grants to forestry and wood craft busineses to improve efficiency and employment potential.

It is hoped the project could have long term benefits for the county's economy, without damaging the environment.

Quality hardwood

Mr Blackburn, from Tregoss, and his wife Lesley, herself a woodcarver, supply local galleries in Devon and Cornwall, the Eden Project, Heligan Gardens and most recently a gallery in the USA.

He said he would encourage others to take the plunge and turn their hobby into a living.

"With Objective One and all the grants available it gives you a push to go into something and make it work," he said.

Fire Logs of Roskrow, near Penryn, is another recipient of funding.

The business supplies quality hardwood and softwood fuel logs sourced from Cornish woodland.

And Moorheat of Widegates, near Looe has been awarded a grant by Working Woodlands to purchase a timber harvesting unit.

Run by Mike Kenshole, the business concentrates on small woodland management contracts, woodland maintenance work and the sale of firewood logs.