THE blacksmith trade has been around for centuries but what does it take to be one in the modern age?

Abergavenny blacksmith Owain Salter, 19, started his business 13 months ago after a love of the trade through his teenage years.

The trade that was once at the centre of the community during medieval times is one that has evolved during the industrial era with the introduction of machinery. While traditional 'smithys' are in modern days more of a rarity this 19-year-old is going back to the traditional methods.

He creates bespoke pieces using iron from smaller items such as fire pokers, baskets to gates and staircases.

The 19-year-old attended Hereford and Ludlow College which houses the National School of Blacksmithing which was founded in 1946. He trained for two years before starting his business Owain Slater Blacksmith which is based in Raglan.

He said: "It started around my 15th birthday with a mini restoration - I enjoyed the metal wok on that. I started making decorate things for my mum and her friends to make a bit of pocket money.

"I was bending a bit of metal in a vice - all cold and doing a few bits with a propane torch and a vice. It spiralled from there really - I received an anvil for my 16th birthday and a forge that Christmas."

Mr Salter taught himself in the early years through videos and having a go.

He said: "The business is going well in its first year. Everyone says it's a dying art but there is still a place for it in a modern age.

"I try to do something different and use the traditional methods. The bit I really enjoy is working with the fire.

"For me doing something which I find fun as a job is the best. I worked on weekends and after school doing this when I was 15/16-years-old and now I have my own space to do it."

The blacksmith uses mostly tools he has made himself as traditional blacksmiths used to. He said it can be a physically demanding job especially when the forge is lit which is capable of temperatures of above 1,200 degrees.

Mr Salter attends craft and agricultural shows around the country including the Three Counties Show to sell and showcase his wares.

He said Usk Show is his favourite.

He said: "There are a group of us that go to shows, the forgotten skills group, which includes wood making, pottery, and spinning. We come together at the shows to make it more of an attraction.

"People seem to really enjoy seeing the old skills."

Mr Salter has won a number of awards at the Royal Welsh Show; he has come first in the apprentice live competition two years in a row. He also won the EJ James memorial trophy for best overall work at this year's show.

At last year's show he also took reserve champion in the static competition with an art deco poker.

His advice to any budding blacksmiths would be to 'have a go' as he started with a vice and a propane torch. He said there are blacksmith taster days which you can go to before thinking about a course.

For more information visit www.osblacksmith.wixsite.com/