Shropshire models fan Simon takes command of his dream job
A Shropshire man with a passion for Airfix models and an armada of over 1,000 plastic planes, ships and army vehicles, has landed his dream job at a toy shop.
Simon Miles started building Airfix models when he was just seven years old and now he spends his days working at Hawkins Bazaar in the Pride Hill Shopping Centre in Shrewsbury – where they stock dozens of his favourites.
But back home in Sundorne, the 44-year-old has one of the largest collections of models in the country.
He said: "This really is a dream job for me. I joined in November. I'm a big kid at heart and this store is like a playground. They like us to be full of energy, bouncing around on space hoppers and flying model helicopters, it's great fun."
Hawkins Bazaar opened in the Pride Hill centre at the end of October and enjoyed a booming Christmas period as shoppers rushed to find the latest crazes and also the more traditional toys such as the Airfix models.
Simon, assistant manager at the branch, said: "We stock a fair few and they appeal to all ages, young and old, but it is great when a 10-year-old comes in to find a Spitfire."
The collection in store is nothing on Simon's own personal hoard. A room at his home is dedicated to his models, including more than 500 aircraft, with almost 1,000 of them adorning shelves on all sides.
He said: "I've only ever seen one collection bigger than mine and that is the one at RAF Cosford.
"I do have a favourite, though – a Lancaster bomber which is a replica of the one flown by Guy Gibson, commander of the Dambusters."
