A giant eagle is being lovingly carved by a group of woodworkers to take pride of place in a national memorial park.

Retired schoolteacher Peter Benson and his students have so far spent six days working on the mammoth project.

The magnificent eagle has a 7ft wingspan and should be completed at Peter's home in Laindon Common Road, Little Burstead, within the next two months.

Peter was asked to take on the commission by the Berlin Airlift Association, which has an eagle as its emblem.

Members had seen a giant polar bear Peter created last year for a similar group, also for the 300-acre memorial park being set up in Croxall, Staffordshire.

Peter, who regularly teaches woodcarving enthusiasts at his studio, said: "We were delighted to be asked to be a part of it again. The bear was a labour of love."

Eagle eyes - Peter Benson works on the carving

Picture: NICK ANSELL

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