AN AVIATION fanatic has created a working replica of the only flight-worthy Lancaster Bomber in the country, two years after he started building it.

Bert Stevenson, of Park Street, Baldock, has taken thousands of hours to create the exact replica, spending three to four hours every evening and weekend on it.

The wings span nearly 12ft in width, the length of the model is just over 10ft and it weighs 26kg - the same as a bag of cement.

The model has already taken to the air, with final touches being put to the lead ballast to complete it.

"It's an exact replica, of the only flying Lancaster Bomber in England," said 61-year-old Bert.

"There's only one other Lancaster in the world that flies, and it's in Canada, so it's quite something.

"It would be true to say that everything is my own touch. Everything is identical, it even sounds the same.

"There have been quite a few trials and tribulations along the way, but I was so pleased when it got in the air.

"Building and flying these models is a big hobby of mine."

Bert's masterpiece is made up of a kit with his own pieces added, including �1,000 worth of electronics inside.

It's part of a wider collection of models that he has built over the years.

"This is the third model I've done in the Battle of Britain aircraft collection," said Bert.

"I'd also done the Spitfire and Hurricane, and when I thought 'what next', it could only be one thing.

"My next project is a jet, but that will be sometime in the future.

"It will have a proper jet engine, and will be the same as the real thing."