BIG and little kids flocked to Huddersfield yesterday for one of the largest model shows in England.

The 11th International Plastic Modellers' Society exhibition was organised by its Leeds and District Branch and took place at Huddersfield Sports Centre.

About 2,000 lovingly-built models, mostly with a military theme, were put on display by 60 clubs.

Model tanks from war films such as Saving Private Ryan, or those now seen on news bulletins helping with UN peacekeeping missions, graced many tables.

Jet fighters and propeller planes from air forces around the world were also given prominence.

Alongside conventional craft was the shape of things to come.

There were spaceships from Hollywood movies and sci-fi figures, such as Dr Who's dreaded foe, the Daleks.

Exhibitor George Allen, aged 80, of Waterloo, views modelling as more than just a hobby.

He was a tailgunner in Wellington bombers in the Second World War and said: "You're building your own history. If I work on an aircraft I don't just see it as a piece of plastic. I see the original aircraft and what it should look like."

A number of painstakingly crafted and painted model bombers graced his table.

Accompanying him was David Green, formerly of Brighouse and now of Lincolnshire. He was displaying his large model of the Titanic, fashioned almost entirely from wood.

David has spent 18 months building his ship so far - marginally less than the real thing, which took just over two years to finish.

"You get parts sent weekly or monthly to you," said David. "I haven't finished it yet. I'm still waiting for the mast, propeller and the rigging."

The completed model of the ill-fated "unsinkable" Titanic will eventually take pride of place in his conservatory.

Malcolm Bills, of Leeds Large Scale Models, brought his home-made, radio-controlled tanks. Among them was an Abrahams, the vehicle which was used by the USA to race to Baghdad in the war against Iraq last year.

"I started with Airfix models when I was nine years old," said Mr Bills.

Exhibition organiser Michael Robson said: "It's the only show we have all year and it's generally accepted to be the largest in the north of England."

He added: "It's a very male-dominated thing. Not many ladies get involved."

Proceeds from yesterday's event went to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Cadets from the City of Leeds Air Training Corps manned the doors and helped the day go smoothly.