But to Northumberland widower and amputee Ben Cooney, this 2ft model fishing boat symbolises how his life has been transformed.

Five years ago, 77-year-old Ben thought his life was over when doctors told him his leg had to be amputated, and his wife Anne was diagnosed with cancer.

As Ben lost his leg, Anne lost her life.

Devastated Ben moved from Edinburgh to Tweedmouth to live with his son Stephen, daughter-in-law Barbara and their three young daughters.

But he missed the companionship of his wife and friends from Scotland, until becoming involved with St John Ambulance Northumbria's Leisure Buddies scheme.

The scheme matches disabled people or individuals who struggle to get out and about.

Users are matched to a 'buddy' to take them out, share hobbies, interests and friendship.

Ben was introduced to buddy Robert White, and the pair hit it off straightaway.

Ben said: "Leisure Buddies has given me my life back.

"My family have been marvellous but Robert is a friend from outside the home, and through him I have got to know the landscape of Northumbria, the hills, the coastline, the towns and pretty villages.

"We would go out on drives talking all the time, and stop for lunch or a coffee."

Whilst on one of their trips, the pair decided to build the replica wooden trawler, using skills from their schooldays.

Although it is not finished yet, they plan to launch it in the River Tweed on completion.

Ben said that Leisure Buddies has brought him back to life, and added: "Without it I would be stuck.

"I've loved every minute of working on the boat but we are not stopping there, far from it.

"Next I fancy having a go at building an aeroplane.

"Why not reach for the skies!"