AT a time when defence cutbacks have pared Army ranks to the bone, £500,000 seems a small price to pay for an army of 150,000 men.

But this is no ordinary army, and these are no ordinary soldiers. Despite their numbers, this fighting force can be housed comfortably under one roof, and most of the men are only a few inches tall.

One of the largest collections of toy soldiers ever assembled is going under the hammer in the North-East, and organisers expect enthusiasts from all over the world to join in the bidding.

The Potsdam collection of miniature figures was founded in 1928 by Frederich-Wilhelm Meisner, a lieutenant colonel in the Imperial Guard in Berlin.

During the past 70 years it has grown into one of the largest and most important collections of its kind in Europe.

Now it is being sold, and it will be the first time auctioneer Vectis has sold a major collection on Teesside.

The collection features mainly German, British and French soldiers from the early 19th Century to the mid-20th Century, and reflects battles dating back to pre-Christian times.

The first of the sales will take place in Stockton on May 21, and the second will be held in October.

Model soldier specialist Peter Rumsey said: "It's possibly the largest single-owner collection ever sold at auction.

"Buyers are not crusty old retired army officers wanting to re-enact the Battle of Waterloo on their dining room tables - they are people with a keen eye for an investment possibility.

"Model soldiers are going up in value all the time - and we are expecting bidders from all over the world."

Highlights include rare sets by German manufacturer Heyde, French maker Mignot and the leading British firm of Britains.

Managed by the same family for three generations, it was moved following the reunification of Germany in 1990 to Potsdam, former seat of the Prussian kings, just outside Berlin.

A local man, Dietrich Garski, bought the collection about 20 years ago and organised and designed several toy figure exhibitions.

One of his biggest fans was Hammer horror actor Peter Cushing, who owned part of the collection - a miniature theatre.

Last month, Vectis sold an early 1950s Dinky lorry for £12,000 - a new world record for any post-war Dinky and the highest price ever paid for a toy lorry.

* Entry is by catalogue only, which can be purchased on the day or ordered in advance by calling (01642) 750616.