A BOYHOOD hobby from the past may be winging its way back into favour with Colchester’s youngsters.

Toy shops are reporting growing demand for plastic model aeroplane kits, in the wake of a recent BBC programme in which Top Gear host James May spotlighted the hobby.

Chris Core, of Tozo Hobbies and Toys, in Sir Isaac’s Walk, said demand has been so great he had to restock, with Airfix Spitfire models in particular demand.

He said: “The Spitfire’s an icon for the country and for Airfix. The programme really highlighted the joys of making models, which I think is a very constructive and therapeutic hobby.

“We’ve had everyone, from children who saw it and want to have a go, to older people, reminded of their childhoods. From a trade point of view it’s been great. We’ve sold nearly half our stock in the past week.”

Mark Crow, manager of Mankim Models in Shrub End Road, agreed. He said: “We had the idea model kits were making a bit of a comeback recently and we’ve had more people asking about them in the past week or so.”

Wayne Seaden, a 35-year-old coach driver, of Ipswich Road, Colchester, is one grown-up who has returned to the world of smelly glue, enamel paint and water-slide decals.

He said: “I used to make models as a boy and I saw this TV programme and thought I’d have a go.

“I went in to town to get some kits, but I struggled to find any, particularly Spitfires.”

Mr Seaden said he hoped to encourage his six-month-old son, Athan, to take up the hobby when he is old enough.