Forget Legoland, if you wanted to get up close and personal with some of the finest model displays in the county, then the Lea Primary School in Harpenden was the place to be last weekend.

Herts Advertiser: Russell Chapman who owns the LEGO collection on displayRussell Chapman who owns the LEGO collection on display (Image: Archant)

A classroom dedicated entirely to Lego Star Wars was just one of the delights on show during the second annual exhibition, which attracted more than 1,600 visitors from as far afield as Welwyn, Watford and Kent.

Herts Advertiser: LEGO exhibition at Lea primary schoolLEGO exhibition at Lea primary school (Image: Archant)

Visitors were offered the chance to view the massive collection of models on display as well as enjoy a game of Lego PlayStation, visit the Lego creative room where they could make their own models, take part in a minifigure hunt, get their faces painted and watch Lego movies.

The entire hall was filled with the private Lego collection of parent Russell Chapman, who has two children at the school. The exhibition did not just contain box set models, but also Russell’s own bespoke creations – including a scale model of The Lea Primary School and a replica of sponsors Putterills’ Harpenden branch.

A lifelong Lego fan, Russell used over 200,000 bricks from his collection in Saturday’s display.

The build your own competition was hugely popular with over 20 different schools taking part – including The Lea, Manland, The Grove, Sir John Lawes, St George’s, Roundwood Park, High Beeches, Wood End, Aldwickbury and St Hilda’s. Visitors to the exhibition voted for their favourite model and the winner in each age category received Lego prizes.

Sue Stevens, chairman of The Lea PTA, said: “The atmosphere on the day was incredible and we received fantastic feedback from visitors – there was so much on offer for both young and old Lego fans.”

The event raised over £6,500 – twice last year’s figure.

Head teacher Sharon Swinson added: “Lego is popular but also provides a range of educational benefits from developing children’s creativity and curiosity, to fine motor skills, to teamwork.

“The funds raised from this incredible event will go towards revamping the school’s library area.”

The exhibition has just been announced as a regional winner in the PTA-UK Gold Star Awards with a prize of £500 for the school. The finals will be announced at a national awards ceremony on June 11.