THE owner of a Chester model shop shortlisted for a prestigious national award has spoken of his pride in being considered for a coveted national award.

Chester Model Centre, in Bridge Street Row East, is up for Model Shop of the Year 2025 in association with classic model company Hornby.

The shop is family-run, having made the move to the city in 2012 after Paul Boyland, 69, moved it from Penketh, near Warrington, where he still lives.

He runs the business with his four children Lindsay, Mark, Matthew and Amy at the Chester store.

He said they were delighted to have picked up the nomination.

“We’re incredibly proud of the nomination,” he said.

“It’s really nice to be nominated.”

He added: "It would be a real honour to bring national recognition to Chester by winning Hornby Model Shop of the Year 2025.

"Running an independent business is no easy feat but we’re grateful to have kept our doors open in Chester for over a decade now.

"Winning this industry award would mean a lot to us and would really highlight the importance of independent shops like ours in bringing people together.”

Paul said his love of model trains began in the city when he visited as a young child and that they made the right decision to move to Chester.

“I was probably a bit younger when I first came to see the trains in Chester,” said Paul.

“The shop was actually in St Michael’s Precinct but when they refurbished it they moved out.

“We came here looking for possible shops as we wanted to expand our business.

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“We had a look at two that weren’t right for us but then we were shown around the old shop – it was across two floors.

“It had been empty for six months, we came to an arrangement and moved in.”

It has inspired young enthusiasts through initiatives like Making Tracks, a collaboration with Chester Cathedral that began with a festive model railway display and grew into a 64ft-long showcase of railway history and innovation.

He added: “It’s a relaxing hobby event when it can sometimes not be and I tell beginners not to compare themselves to the big displays.

“You can build what you want it’s down to you – it’s like building your own little world.

“It’s a great way to learn skills too.”

Anyone wanting to vote for the shop can do so by heading to https://community.hornbyhobbies.com/competition/1-model-shop-of-the-year-2025/

Voting closes on Friday, December 13.