IT was a case of ‘tanks for the memories’ as an East Lancashire teenager arrived for his school prom in a huge military vehicle.

Most teenagers are more than happy with a limo but 16-year-old Brennan Boys went one better by travelling in a tank from his grandfather’s collection.

He certainly went down a bomb as he rolled up with pals at the Higher Trapp Hotel in Simonstone for his Year 11 prom.

Brennan, who lives in Stacksteads, celebrated there with fellow pupils at Alder Grange Community and Technology School in Rawtenstall.

He said: “It went down really well. I had seen my grandad and wondered if anything would be possible.

“I didn’t really expect anything to happen but he worked really hard, so I am really grateful.”

The 17-tonne Saurer tank from Austria is 30-years-old and saw action but is now deactivated.

It is one Brennan’s grandfather, Brian Boys, kept after selling most of his remarkable collection. Two of his tanks were used in the film ‘Saving Private Ryan’.

His interest in military vehicles started as a young boy with Dinky Toys.

It then continued during and after two years in the Army with the Royal Military Police between 1958 and 1960.

Mr Boys collected vehicles from around the world for more than 25 years.

But in 2010 he said it had become too big a task to look after the150-strong collection.

He said then: “It’s a drug and a disease but it’s given me the opportunity to make lots of friends worldwide and I shall miss that camaraderie.”

His collection included a Russian T55 tank, a US M47 Patton tank, two Chieftain Main Battle tanks , six armoured personnel carriers, a Daimler Ferret MK4 Big Wheel Scout car and three Fox Light armoured cars.

There was also a wide range of guns, motorcycles, personnel and weapons carriers, Jeeps and cross-country vehicles including several US Willys Jeeps, wheeled tugs, trucks and wagons and utility vehicles such as a Ford Model T fire engine thought to have been owned by Charlie Chaplin.

Mr Boys, chairman of B&E Boys Construction in Waterfoot, said: “It went down well and it was a real night to remember. Beat that if you can.”

Brennan, recovering yesterday after his unforgettable exploits at his prom, said: “As we arrived there were so many people taking pictures. We weren’t out too late.

“I’m really lucky that I got the chance.”