A NEWPORT grandfather is turning back the clock by creating an ambitious model train set in his attic.

Derek Wroot began his pet project three years ago when his wife of 56 years, Dot, bought him an Orient Express boxset after he revealed he had never had a train set growing up.

But the 77-year-old has never looked back and now boasts an impressive collection of locomotives and tracks, alongside carefully crafted countryside and buildings.

In amongst the scenery - chosen to evoke the 1960s - are a replica of Newport County's former Somerton Park football ground, Maindee fire station, the former Odeon cinema in Clarence Place, and the now closed Pioneer Club which sits next door to the Wroot's home in Rochester Road.

Mr Wroot, who used to be a fitter at Whitehead steelworks, has also created a canal with lock gates and three barges - named after his granddaughters Bethany, Alicia and Chelsie.

He explained: "We were out one evening with friends and we were talking about our childhoods and I happened to say that my one regret had been that I never had a train set when I was young.

"I thought nothing of it but a few weeks later my wife gave me a boxset for my birthday and I decided to give it a go.

"I put down a floor and set up tables in the attic, and then things have gone from there. I enjoy working with my hands and creating things - most of them from scratch - and I spend a few hours up here twice a week."

Mrs Wroot said: "I bought him the set as a joke really but he has created something fantastic.

"Another good thing is that it gets him out my hair for a while and I can watch what I like on the TV!"

Mr Wroot added: "I don't tend to plan ahead too much, and just make it up as I go along.

"I think the Transporter Bridge and Civic Centre may be too big for my attic but I fancy having a go at the Cenotaph next."