Melbury Stone in Melbury Abbas, Dorset, have developed a new line in individually sculpted dogs, horses, hippos, gorillas and other animals. The range arose from a horse and foal commissioned by Melbury Stone from a carver, Mike Chapman in Dorchester. It was made from two large blocks of Stoke Ground Bath limestone. It was a speculative commission that has sold for more than £20,000. Then Melbury set their masons on carving smaller pieces that sell for £1,800-£2,000 to fill any gaps in the production of more traditional masonry work. They can make any animal anyone wants and a market in the animal garden sculptures has opened up for Melbury. We just thought it would be another way for the business to go," says Catherine Fear. She says there has also been a lot of demand for stone garden furniture lately.