An amazingly intricate model of a Hitchin pub left forgotten and unused in a family loft for years is now back in the spotlight after a Comet report.

The Comet: The rooms of the dolls house size model of the Highlander pubThe rooms of the dolls house size model of the Highlander pub (Image: Archant)

The Prutton family has been pulling pints at The Highlander in Upper Tilehouse Street for 40 years – and the model was made just before current landlady Charlotte’s father Howard, brother John, and sister Janet England, took over four decades ago this month.

Tim Farr of Mount Pleasant in Hitchin, who now owns the miniature version of the 300-year-old pub, said: “It was made by a man called Joe Hunt just before the Pruttons took over in 1975.

“When Joe died it ended up with me as I ran Tim’s Art Supplies, then further down Tilehouse Street, and it was featured in the window.

“My children used it as a doll’s house in the 1980s before it eventually ended up in my loft.

The Comet: Inside one of the rooms of the dolls house size model of the Highlander pubInside one of the rooms of the dolls house size model of the Highlander pub (Image: Archant)

“It is very detailed and has a miniature bar complete with beer pumps, tables and tiny cola bottles.

“It was only when I saw the Comet story on Charlotte and her family running the Highlander for 40 years I thought to take it down from the loft and show it to them again.”

Charlotte said: “It’s on display in our window and has caused a bit of comment with the regulars.

“It’s quite bizarre having a model of your house – but it is a nice thing to have, and makes me smile.”

The Comet: Inside one of the rooms of the dolls house size model of the Highlander pubInside one of the rooms of the dolls house size model of the Highlander pub (Image: Archant)

Pictures by Danny Loo

The Comet: Model owner Tim Farr and daughter Rebecca Chapman (who was given the doll house to play with as a child) and Highlander owners Charlotte Prutton and Eric RansinangueModel owner Tim Farr and daughter Rebecca Chapman (who was given the doll house to play with as a child) and Highlander owners Charlotte Prutton and Eric Ransinangue (Image: Archant)

The Comet: A picture of Joe Hunt who made the dolls house size model of the Highlander pubA picture of Joe Hunt who made the dolls house size model of the Highlander pub (Image: Archant)