A NAVAL fleet made entirely out of matchsticks and their boxes will take to the seas of Nothe Fort this week.

From August 26 to 31, visitors to the Weymouth venue will be able to marvel at the creations of Phillip Warren, who has spent a lifetime creating model military vessels.

His passion for military modelling started as a child, when he would recognise an aircraft by the sound of its engine.

“I grew up during the Second World War and our whole world was ships and tanks and planes,” he said.

“You knew what an aircraft was just by hearing the engine noise. That left me with a lifelong interest in military aircraft and ships.”

Based on drawings and photographs of real military vessels, The Matchstick Fleet display is open between 10.30am and 4pm each day.

Kate Hedbitch, general manager at Nothe Fort, said the venue is proud to have played host to Phillip’s miniature fleet each summer for the past 20 years.

“We know that the Matchstick Fleet is an all-time favourite with our visitors, some of whom come back year after year to marvel at the intricacy of the ship designs,” she added.