A SCALEXTRIC model homage to the film The Italian Job has proved a big hit.

David Coveney and friend Hayden Marks created the special layout – complete with iconic Minis and a bus for them to drive into – to mark his 60th birthday.

Mr Coveney, who lives in Farmoor village, started the project five years ago.

He unveiled the creation – based on the 1969 film starring Michael Caine, Noel Coward and Benny Hill – as part of his birthday celebrations.

The BT engineer invited about 40 friends to his home to admire the model for the first time.

Mr Marks, 29, who recently moved to Aylesbury from Farmoor, said: “It was really good to see it and everyone absolutely loved it, particularly driving the Minis into the bus. When I first saw it, it was just bits of plastic in his garage.”