He started his own blacksmithing business in 1997 with the help of a loan from The Prince's Youth Business Trust.

The business expanded in 2001 when it moved to larger premises and employed another blacksmith whose qualifications include a BA Honours Degree in Design/Art Metalwork.

The business now operates from a traditional working forge at picturesque Escot Country Park and Gardens, near Ottery St Mary and produces unique and innovative ironwork.

At Matt Dingle Blacksmiths and Artistic Metalworkers, unique and innovative ironwork is created.

As well as making interior and exterior furniture and restoring old architectural ironwork, traditional forged pieces are still created and all work can be made to order to the customer's own design if required.

Many large design commissions are undertaken for gates, railings, beds, furniture and sculpture. Recent work includes "The Mint" gate at a listed building in Exeter, and the design and completion of pedestrian barriers as part of the regeneration project in Falmouth.

Materials such as glass, wood and granite can be combined with wrought ironwork to create alternative and original pieces. Many colour finishes and metal treatments are available.

Visit the forge, workshop and showroom open Monday - Saturday, 9am - 5pm.