A TRADITIONAL signwriter is taking Barry Island’s Pleasure Park into the future with a nod to the past.

59-year-old Hugh Fraser has been hired by showman Henry Danter to give the fairground’s waltzer attraction a new lease of life – restoring it from its pink colour to its original ‘olde’ look.

Mr Fraser estimated the work on the waltzer cars at Barry Island, which feature gold leaf in addition to paint, would take up to three weeks before being ready for use.

Mr Fraser has restored attractions, vessels and buildings throughout the UK since he had a heart attack at 36 years of age.

The life-changing event inspired him to ditch his insurance company career and earn a living from creating signs.

He specialises in signwriting for canal boats and is a City and Guilds qualified-Waterways Craft Guild Accredited Signwriter.

But he also has a long association with the Danter family and their fairs.

The nine waltzer cars, which can sit around four people, will stand alongside the other rides - both temporary and permanent - on the Barry Island site.

Mr Fraser said: “This ride was on Barry Island 10 to 15 years ago and when it came on Barry Island last season it was a very 70s/80s pink job so we’ve taken it back to its original artwork."

For more details on his work visit hugh-fraser-signwriter.co.uk