LARRY Leighton was so inspired by Moroccan crafts when he visited the historical city of Fes that he shipped them over to a tiny warehouse in Stroud.

The site at Griffin Mill Estate is crammed with hand-made, fair-traded goods selected personally by Larry and his Moroccan-born wife Juliette.

The couple sell henna patterned lamps, Safi pottery, seagrass stools and baskets, leather shoes, bags and belts, brass lanterns and trays, furniture and silk cushions.

Larry, 58, from Gunhouse Lane, Stroud, visited Morocco after meeting Juliette eight years ago and together they decided to set up their own business.

"I was so impressed by what they were creating," said Larry, who was a leather worker for 25 years.

"I wanted to support these craftsmen and help to keep alive the age-old traditions they had inherited.

"We have a very direct and personal relationship with the workers and we don't bargain to put the price down - we respect what they're asking for."

Larry and Juliette make several trips to Morocco each year and are also hoping to get involved with a community project to restore the city of Fes.

"Trees are being planted and a city forest is being created for families to escape from the city," said Larry, a father-of-two who taught adults with special needs at Ruskin Mill.

"We would love to help and are hoping to support future projects - we have a real love for the people and the whole way of life there."