A FASCINATING labour of love is on show at Blandford Museum where thousands of matches have been crafted into some of the world's most famous battleships.

The 15 Royal Navy ships on display are just a selection from over 350 warships and aircraft carriers which make up Philip Warren's Matchstick Fleet.

Philip, aged 72, of Marston Close, Blandford, has spent around 55 years building up his impressive collection and he has no plans on giving up.

"I'm currently on number 353, an American escort destroyer, but I average around six a year. Obviously the big aircraft carriers can take me around a year, while the smaller ones just a few weeks."

Like most boys at some time, Philip began making models of planes, tanks, trains and boats with bits of wood and glue.

But it was during the war years when there were no proper kits or ready to make construction outfits that his hobby began taking off.

"We used any bits and pieces of scrap like matchboxes and burnt out matches. There were plenty about in those days," said Philip.

Today, Philip is proud of his attention to detail.

"When people look at them they really wouldn't know they were made out of matchsticks. That's why I put on an additional display showing how they are made."

Philip's fleet is always in demand for displays. So far this year he has visited Cornwall, Cardiff and Edinburgh where the Princess Royal was among the visitors. He will be at Nothe Fort, Weymouth, in August and on Saturday, October 11, he will be at Pimperne Village Hall raising money for the RNLI.

The museum exhibition runs until August 16 and is open between 11am to 4pm Mondays to Saturdays.