Platform Two – RCA

David Reynolds, 51, from Swaythling in Southampton, has spent 15 years making the replica of the Brent Bravo oil rig.

He is hoping for a place in the record books and is waiting for confirmation his matchstick model is the biggest. The current record stands at three-and-a-half million matches.

Mr Reynolds said: “Most people watch about six or seven hours of television in the evening, you multiple that by seven, that’s 40 hours a week.

“Whereas at the end of 40 hours work on the model I have something to show for it.”

But he admitted: “Early this year I was thinking of breaking it up because it took up two bedrooms, the loft, two sheds and half my garage.”

However, the model, which is so big it had to be made in 14 separate parts, has found a temporary home at Bursledon Brickworks Museum.

Mr Reynolds’ long-suffering wife Julie said:

“I am absolutely sick to death at the sight of a matchstick but I think there is still more to come unfortunately.

“But at least I know where he is and what he’s doing, so I’d rather have him there than down the pub.”