Pensioner Bruce Winterbottom wowed his fellow care home residents when he brought in three large models which he made entirely out of matchsticks.

The great-great-grandfather, who lives at Highfield Hall, in Haslingden, said he had been telling his neighbours about the replica models of famous landmarks for months, but no-one believed him.

The 78-year-old had spent three years building miniature versions of St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and the 15th century galleon Mary Rose, in the early 1990s, as a distraction after his wife, Betty, died.

His children, who kept the models, recently had them taken into the Grane Road home to show to other residents.

Bruce, who worked for the former North West Water Authority for 30 years, said: “When I lost my wife I had a bit of time of my hands, so I started making models. I think I just wanted to see what I could finish up with. When I moved in here last November, I don’t think people believed me when I talked about them.

“I like to think they were impressed because they are something special.”

Sarah Howard, a senior carer at the home, said: “I don’t think anyone realised how intricate they would be. We had them in our lounge, and everyone thought they were lovely.”