WHEN 53-year-old Kevin Watson took an interest in model aircraft at the age of seven, he had no idea how the hobby would take over his life.

But 46 years and thousands of pounds later, Kevin is still as enthusiastic and is encouraging more people to join in the sport.

And in true Top Gun style he even has his own codename of Jetjockey because of his interest in model jets.

Kevin, from Rishton, has developed a large collection of model aircraft over the years, from his early basic training models to his hi-tech seven-foot-long Eurofighter jet.

And though the collection no longer fits in one room of his house, he shows no sign of stopping.

He will join fellow members of Blackburn and District Model Aircraft Club for a model show at Pleasington playing fields, from June 9 to 11.

The free event, open to the public, will include international displays by model aircraft distributor Ripmax, a club flying day, a barbecue and demonstrations by accomplished pilots flying aeroplanes, jets and helicopters.

Kevin, a pathology scientist for East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust by day, will be taking some of his collection, which also includes miniature gas turbine engines.

He said: "My parents had a model shop in Blackpool. I suppose the interest has always been there.

"My dad was a pilot in the RAF and my uncle worked for British Aerospace, so aviation has always been in the family.

"Someone wanting to start off could probably spend between £350 and £400 to get in the air and learn how to fly, although people could pay as much as they want to develop their collection.

"People who fly these things can often be seen crying when one comes crashing down and it's usually nothing to do with the money involved."

Anyone wanting to fly a model aircraft has to go through a training scheme to ensure they meet all the safety requirements, with an advanced scheme available for anyone wanting to fly at public air shows.

Kevin, who is married with a grown-up son, is also an examiner for the scheme.

The Blackburn and District Model Aircraft Club has around 80 members, ranging from nine years to 80 years.

Kevin said: "It is almost certainly a male orientated hobby but we have had female pilots and in some cases they have been very good and better than the men."

The club is hoping that the model show will raise also help to raise money for Derian House Children's Hospice near Chorley.

Anyone wanting to find out more should contact Kevin on 07973 343893 or email him at jet-jockey@tiscali.co.uk