A TYNEDALE timber hauler has had a busy summer of winning awards for his unusually decorated haulage wagon.

Ben Hamilton bought the Scania R730 in January and had it customised by Ian Bone and Sons, in Carlisle on the theme of the Joker from the popular Batman films.

Ben, who lives near Stamfordham, said: “I came up with the idea of the Joker because it’s a bit different, and I wanted something gory and scary. It’s good to be a bit different.”

This summer, Ben has been to several shows where his truck has won over judges.

At Carlisle Truck Show he won the second place trophy in the Timber Class, while at Kirkbride show he came first in the Owner Driver class, second for Best Artic and second in the Timber Class. At Barnard Castle Truck Show he received two second place trophies and one third place trophy; and at the North East Charity Truck Show held in Gosforth he was awarded first prize for Best Custom Truck and a Best in Show trophy.

He also took the truck to a national show in Peterbrough where he got a ‘highly commended’ award.

He said: “To come away from two of the shows with three trophies and also a Best in Show is amazing.”

The wagon has images of three jokers on it, played in the films by Heath Ledger, Jack Nicholson and Jared Leto. Ben said this made it unique.

He said: “I always get people stopping me at petrol stations and asking questions.

“Some people even slow down to let me overtake just so they can see the other side! I’m glad that people appreciate the great art work.”