TRESKE, the Thirsk-based furniture designer and manufacturer, is supplying an altar and lectern to the Dallas hospital where American president John F Kennedy died.

The bespoke church furniture was being air-freighted in individual crates to the New Parkland Memorial Hospital this week.

It will be installed in the hospital chapel opposite the historic site of Parkland Memorial Hospital where Kennedy was treated in vain after being shot by Lee Harvey Oswald in November 1963.

Justin Bartlett, owner and managing director of Treske, said: "It is a great honour to be designing, making and supplying church furniture to such an historic hospital in the United States.

"We are proud of being associated with such a pivotal moment in history – and we are also proud that furniture designed and made in North Yorkshire is now being exported across the world.

"Apart from this five-figure Dallas contract, we have exported to Geneva and Abu Dhabi, where our furniture is an integral part of a Christian church in the middle of the desert."

The architect designing the hospital saw a design she liked on Treske's website and after discussions the order was made.

Mr Bartlett said: "The altar and lectern have been constructed from cherry wood, with solid cherry veneers required for the base. They look very special and we can’t wait to see them in situ.

"The structure of the chapel is completed and I gather that the altar and lectern can be moved to suit the needs of individual services and worship."