A CHITTY Chitty Bang Bang collector and enthusiast from St Annes is fulfilling a life-time ambition by building an exact replica of the magical car that stole everyone's imagination in the classic children's film.

Tony Green, of St Leonard's Road, is currently busy building a full size road-worthy copy which is to be the same as the original in every way possible.

He explained: "I am hoping to finish the creation by March next year in time for the opening of a musical stage adaptation of the film to open at the London Palladium in April."

Tony has gone to incredible lengths to ensure that the quality and craftsmanship of the car is of the highest level. "There were in fact four cars built for the film, which are all individually owned now," he said. "I had to apply for a licence to build my replica from MGM, which was the biggest hurdle.

"Once I had that I began looking at the original plans for the car and have since tracked down the leather upholsterers of the original car and commissioned a specialist firm in Chertsey to make the boat-like planking for the rear body of the car.

"I have even managed to get hold of an original snake horn, like the one used in the film.

"Ever since I hired one of the original cars for St Annes carnival, people are always asking me if I own it. This spurred me on to build one of my own."

Mr Green, who worked for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the 1980s, added: "I have always been fascinated by the 1960s film. It has all the right ingredients for a timeless classic -- slapstick comedy, a good plot, some super villains and a fairytale ending. I have an extensive collection of memorabilia from the film, which I regularly show at exhibitions around the country."

When the car is finished Tony intends to hire the vehicle out for weddings and special occasions and to promote charity events with it.

For further information about Tony and his massive collection or simply to see how the car is taking shape, log on to Tony's own website at www.chittychittybangbang.net