A POPULAR model engineering show, once again, proved a big hit with enthusiasts as they flocked to the exhibition to see working models from across the country.

This year was the 13th time the Bristol Model Engineering and Hobbies Exhibition has been held at Thornbury Leisure Centre.

Hundreds of visitors attended to admire the models of some of the country’s most enthusiastic hobbyists.

Amongst the exhibitions and stands was a very special model of the Clifton Suspension Bridge to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the structure.

Alongside that a model of MV Balmoral proved a real treat at the show as it helped to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the popular Bristol boat.

There were several new clubs with stands exhibiting at the show from as far afield as West London and across the South West.

Ninety-three-year-old Roy Skeats, from Devon, won the award for the best model at the show with his model of a gun boat.

This year was the first time the show had handed out more than one award and the Rolls Royce Heritage Trust picked up the prize for the best stand in show with Bristol Model Car Club coming in second place.

There were live demonstrations across the exhibition including radio-controlled trucks, planes and hovercraft.

Steve Birch, who helped organise the show, said that it was likely that the show will carry on and continue to organise the exhibition.

“The committee will be meeting again in September to talk about how the show went and then we will start organising next year’s exhibition.

He added that it’s likely that the show will, again, be held at Thornbury Leisure Centre: “The leisure centre is the only building in the South West that fits our needs.

“The exhibition takes up a lot of space and not many places can offer that, with talk of all this new stadia being built, perhaps one of them will offer suitable facilities in the future.

“For now we’re happy at Thornbury Leisure Centre and they look after us very well.”