Wrexham children set up blacksmiths business during lockdown

Ollie and Harvey Roberts, from Borras, set up the O & H Metalwork business during the first lockdown last March - despite being aged just 13 and 12 respectively.

The two cousins learnt the trade from their grandfather, Tony Roberts, who worked in Brymbo Steelworks for 20 years.

Tony is now retired, meaning he had time to teach his grandchildren all they know.

Ollie and Harvey Roberts with grandad, Tony.

Finding themselves with little to do at the beginning of the first lockdown, Ollie and Harvey visited their grandad's garage out of curiosity and to try something new.

The pair, that attend Rhosnesni High School, soon realised that not only did really enjoy welding, but that they were also talented blacksmiths.

And in barely a year, Ollie and Harvey have all but mastered their trade and have their own blacksmiths business to boot.

Tony told the Leader: "It's unusual for lads their age to show an interest in something like this - you'd expect to see them stuck in front of the playstation or the tele.

"Because they are so enthusiastic, it's just taken off. They started asking if they could make things, and with my guidance they started making their own things and it's just come naturally to them."

Tony admits that he is surprised how quickly Ollie and Harvey have taken to it and learnt the skills of the trade.

He said: "Lads their age you'd expect them to get fed up with it after a couple of months and go on to something else, but they've kept it up and they're as enthusiastic about it now as they were when they started."

During an interview with the Leader over Zoom, Ollie and Harvey showcased some of things they have made; including brackets for hanging baskets and a cowboy-themed specially designed candle holder - all from scrap metal.

They have also renovated an old go-kart.

Before and after photos show the transformation of the go-kart courtesy of Ollie and Harvey.

Tony added: "It's amazing to see their natural ability of making metal sculptures. They've sold quite a few things over the last few months, especially over Christmas.

"I'm immensely proud of them - it's inspiring for other kids to see what they've achieved."

Some the things Ollie and Harvey have made.

Ollie and Harvey are very much keeping up the Roberts name as a family of blacksmiths - with them being sixth generation blacksmiths following in the footsteps of their grandad and great grandad.

And such is their aptitude, they are allowed to be left to work unsupervised at their workshop in their garage.

The pair have all but mastered the trade within a year.

Speaking about what took them to their grandad's workshop in the first place, Ollie and Harvey said: "We just thought it was really interesting and really fun - so we just decided to give it a go.

"In the future, we want to grow the business we have, which is quite small at the moment, to make it a lot bigger and to become much better known in the community."

You can follow the O & H Metalwork Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/O-H-Metalwork-109620277601066/

Ollie and Harvey Roberts.