A FORMER caretaker at a Northwich primary school has been bringing smiles to children's faces through his amazing models.
Nigel Little, who began his school career as the caretaker at Weaverham Primary Academy, has continued to develop his passion for model-making.
Now managing facilities at all the schools run by the North West Academies Trust (NWAT), Nigel has brightened up each site with his colourful creations.
His new masterpiece, the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland, now has pride of place at Weaverham Primary Academy.
It is the latest in a growing line of wonderful models, which include Matilda, The Beatles, The Gruffalo, The Bog Baby, The Hungry Caterpillar and a beast from How to Train Your Dragon.
Nigel, from Weaverham, who previously worked in construction, as a publican and as a used car salesman, says his connection to schools has re-ignited his childhood love of theatre and design.
He added: “It started when I wanted to do something for the kids for World Book Day so I built Roald Dahl's The Twits out of old tables. Then I made some Angry Birds for an anti-bullying campaign, and it just got bigger and bigger.
“I did The Hungry Caterpillar for the younger children at Weaverham Pre-School and then thought I’d go one better and did The Gruffalo out of an old exercise ball and used two plant pots for legs.”
Now, after word of Nigel's talent with salvaged items, modelling wire and Modroc plaster spread, he is inundated with commissions from other schools within the trust.
Nigel, who is married to former school cook Debbie, added: "The teachers love the models as much as the children do so I’m always getting asked to do something.
“I also love to build props for theatre which started when my daughter, Lilly, was in a production at this school. I have since done props and puppets for Nantwich Players. I don’t look online for ideas, it just comes to me.
“It can be labour intensive, but they cost very little money and I love to see the look on children’s faces. At first, they looked a bit scared of the dragon I did but it soon turns to excitement! It brightens the schools up and brings a bit of joy.”
Jo Price, head of school at Weaverham Primary Academy, said: “The children love the models – they are a talking point for books we have shared or classics we want the children to learn about and they look fantastic too.
“We always use the models as a cross-curricular project as it helps the children to get creative and to learn about more than just the book itself."
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