Meet Handy Pete – the Ipswich supply teacher who builds rockets and turns classic cars into barbecues in his spare time.

Ipswich Star: Handy Pete with his rocket and car-be-cue. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNHandy Pete with his rocket and car-be-cue. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

Also known as Peter Eveleigh, the 53-year-old loves creating quirky gadgets and has spent the past five years making them “for fun”.

His latest inventions include a car-b-que – a 1958 Ford Prefect 100E converted into a rotating barbecue which turns according to what direction the wind is blowing – and a rocket made out of a classic jet wing.

Now, after several years of making such items as a hobby, Mr Eveleigh hopes to commission them in the near future.

He is currently working on a secret project – but is inviting members of the public to give him some ideas for new inventions.

The 53-year-old said: “At the moment it’s just for fun really.

“I like classic cars and the car-b-que entertained guests at summer barbecues last year – they really enjoy it and think it’s fascinating.

“I’ve fixed a turn-table to it so it moves with the wind which helps the food to cook faster.

“The Tintin-style rocket was built from a jet wing, I modified it and at the moment it’s fixed to the shed for my neighbours to look at.

“I want to showcase my inventions now though, to see if people have any more ideas for me.”

Today our photographer visited Mr Eveleigh’s studio – his back garden – to see the barbecue in action.

He added: “It is just a bit of fun but I’ve got quite a lot of likes on social media now so I think I could be onto something.

“I’ve got a few ideas in the pipeline but would love other people to get involved and share their ideas with me too.

“At the moment I don’t have any plans to launch the rocket, but I guess it could be something we could do in the future.”

Can you think of any quirky inventions for Mr Eveleigh to make?

Let him know via his Facebook page or by calling him on 07751649331.