Beach hut debris collected after the December 5 tidal surge has been transformed into an eclectic wagon on wheels.

Eastern Daily Press: Overstrand artist Peter Talbot with the hut he made from storm damaged beach huts. PHOTO: ANTONY KELLYOverstrand artist Peter Talbot with the hut he made from storm damaged beach huts. PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2014)

The building on High Street, Overstrand – used to sell collectables and household items – is called Cliffhanger because of its clifftop position and was built by sculptor Peter Talbot.

Mr Talbot, 55, from Overstrand High Street, creates quirky art out of discoveries on north Norfolk beaches.

He said: 'The beach hut debris was like matchsticks along the coast. Not only has my work cleaned up the beach, but something has been created.

'The interest in it has been phenomenal. The hut has been a tourism pull – lots of people have come to see it.

'Overstrand got away lightly in the tidal surge. It was a dramatic sight. It was like one big washing machine.

'The debris was absolutely everywhere.

'I wanted to create something out of it but wasn't sure what. It evolved. It became a big quirky beach hut on wheels. It is my representation of the tidal surge.'

It took him three months to collect about five tonnes of storm debris from the beach between Trimingham and Cromer and build the 10ft by 20ft space in front of his home.

Cliffhanger weighs three-and-a-half tonnes and is used by his neighbour Karen Scott, 48, to sell objects from her house.

These include painted furniture, glassware, and bric-a-brac and are all items from her home.

Miss Scott started selling the goods in her garden last year to declutter her home but moved into the Cliffhanger in May.

She said: 'People go 'wow' when they come into the shop. I have had people come from as far as Diss and the other side of King's Lynn to have a look. It is absolutely amazing. Peter didn't have any plans and it got bigger and bigger.'

The Cliffhanger is open between Thursdays and Sundays from 9.30am-10pm.

Mr Talbot started getting involved in creative work about 17 years ago, and before he started selling his sculptures he had a variety of jobs including being a blacksmith and car painter.

He has created hundreds of pieces of art, some of which are in his garden, and are all made from beach debris – natural or man-made.

'Whatever debris there is on the beach, I try to create something that can give it another life,' he added.

Mr Talbot said he enjoyed the quirky side of art and never made the same thing twice.

Objects he has picked up include a ship's radar and his art is sold by word of mouth.

He is using some of the tidal surge debris to make a luxury tortoise house for a friend and wants to make 10 different beach huts.

Has the tidal surge inspired you to do something different? Email sophie.wyllie@archant.co.uk