SCALE models of carriages, robots, trams and the Eiffel Tower featured in an exhibition of Meccano at the weekend.

Generations of boys grew up with Frank Hornby's metal construction system.

These days, his 1901 invention is produced by a Japanese company, and today's youngsters are more likely to be on computers.

But Meccano survives and a group of men are still enthralled by the possibilities for creation that it offers.

The North-East Meccano Society held its annual exhibition at Beamish Museum, near Stanley, County Durham.

Visitors were greeted at the museum's entrance by an 8ft Eiffel Tower built by John Herdman, 54, a cabinet-maker from Whickham, Gateshead.

He said: "It didn't take too long to make. It is based on a Number Ten set, but I have expanded it a bit to make it more realistic.

"After this exhibition I think I will break it up because it takes up too much room."

The society, which has about 80 members, also displayed agricultural machinery, working models of Beamish Museum's trams and the three-wheeled van from Only Fools and Horses.

Some of the models were built with sets dating from the early 1900s, which are still compatible with today's Meccano kits.

Mr Herdman said: "Kids seem to prefer computers these days.

"One of the purposes of the exhibition is to get kids involved, and we sometimes bring along a few small Meccano sets to sell. The youngsters, when they discover it, really get into it."

To join the society, call Mr Herdman on 0191-488 6863.