One of the most impressive collections of model soldiers in the country is on its way to Oswestry – permanently.

The British Model Soldier Society’s national collection will be moving from its present base at Blenheim Palace to the British Ironwork Centre.

The collection showcases the work of members of the society and illustrates the development of model soldiers over the years.

The vast collection will be housed in special cabinets on the balcony at the Ironworks showroom.

Clive Knowles, the chairman of the Ironworks, said the collection was hugely impressive.

“We became aware the society was looking for a new home for its collection so talked to them to see how we could help,” he said.

“It’s a huge collection and and looks at battles through the ages, documenting the changes that have taken place.

“The society members go to extraordinary lengths to ensure their models are historically accurate and the colours they are painted have to be exactly the right shade. It’s a huge collection – there will be more than 20,000 items – and include things like the Grenadier guards, Gurkhas, the Queen’s Guard and all the heraldic stuff.

“It includes troops and squadrons through the ages, right up the recent Afghan wars.

“We are so proud to be able to host the collection and we think it will become a popular exhibit for schools, as they learn about battles through the ages.

“It is a static display but people can learn about battle formations and what regiments did during some key battles.

“Society members often like to be on hand to discuss the collection and they are very entertaining, even dressing for the part.”

Mr Knowles said he was currently working with the society to buy special locked cabinets to house the displays.

“We have to make sure the models in the collection are safe, yet the cabinets are big enough to be able to show them to their best advantage,” he said.

“The society members are travelling with me to source the right cabinets and they’ll have the final say.

“I am hoping the collection will be in place for the start of the school holidays, as I’m sure it will prove to be very popular.”

The British Model Soldier Society’s collection has been split for several years.

It has been on display in Hatfield, House, London, Dodington House and Gardens in Gloucestershire, Eastbourne and Blenheim Palace.