A LITTLE taste of Ireland has been created by a Yeadon pensioner as a gift for a country singing star.

Peter Thompson, 84, has spent months making a model traditional Irish cottage which he will present to Curtis Magee this month.

The cottage is the latest of Mr Thompson's creations which also include models of Sydney Opera House and the Albert Hall. The former wagon driver has previously made models as gifts for Irish performer Daniel O'Donnell, which he says were displayed in the singer's garden before he moved house.

The latest work was made out of wood and fibre glass, with wire, netting, felt and coconut matting, and cost around £100 to make. It comes complete with flowers created by Mr Thompson's partner Mavis Roberts, and with a little van bearing the singer's name.

The couple became fans of Irish singers many years ago and Mr Thompson began making model cottages. His gifts were inspired by local Irish tradition.

"In Southern Ireland you see these little cottages in nearly every garden," Mr Thompson said.

While some are merely ornaments others serve a functional purpose, with roofs that lift up to allow delivery of milk, newspapers and mail.

Mr Thompson said: "I told Curtis Magee I was making it and he told me he didn't have a garden - so then I said he could either keep it or raffle it off for charity."

"He is going to pick it up himself on October 22 because he is coming over to do a show," he added.