A former Royal Navy medic has built a model of the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance which he hopes will raise funds for the charity.
Peter Williams, from Frimley, Surrey, spent 18 months putting together a replica of the twin-engine MD902 Explorer complete with battery-operated rotor blades.
A leather handbag, cocktail sticks and metal from a camping seat were among the materials he used to craft the helicopter model, which is a sixth of its normal size. The charity plans to display it during fundraising exhibitions at their base in Redhill.
Peter, 80, said: "It all started due to further problems with my health and poor mobility. I wanted something to concentrate my mind and get the old grey matter working.
"I thought the Air Ambulance was a great subject so I visited the base and took some photos and I found the aircraft manufacturer's manual on the internet.
"Building the fuselage was not too bad but when it came to the top engine covers it was a nightmare. It took three attempts to get it as near as true possible and I nearly took a hammer to it."
Peter spent 12 years in the medical branch of the Royal Navy and served in Korea, Malta and Portsmouth before re-training in engineering and becoming a senior mechanical designer.
He also worked as a technical illustrator designing service handbooks for a forklift company which sparked his interest in model-making, and has previously built a model of the cruiser HMS Cumberland which went on display at the National Marine Aquarium at Plymouth.
For more information about the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance call 01622 833833 or visit www.kssairambulance.co.uk
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