Model ship building is the passion of David James, honorary secretary of the West Wales Maritime Heritage Society, and vice-chairman of the Pembroke Dock Museum Trust.

The self-imposed rule he observes is that the ships should be locally built or have a strong local connection.

Several of his models may be seen in many of the museums in the area and vary from the little Tenby Lugger and the larger Brixham Trawler (Tenby Museum) to the steam trawler in Milford Museum, several models in the Gun Tower in Front Street, Pembroke Dock (a 74-gun ship and the second Victoria and Albert Royal Yacht of 1855).

Last but not least is the crusaders' ship that sailed from Pembroke in 1277 AD on her way to the seventh crusade, now in Haverfordwest Museum.

Having retired from Pembrokeshire County Council, two years ago his model shipwrighting skills have become in demand and ships are being built more frequently.

On the 'slips' (shelves in the garage) awaiting despatch to their museum berths are two completed ships. One is Hiei an armoured corvette built in Jacob's Pill, Pembroke river, in 1877 for the Imperial Japanese Navy.

The next ship is the Cutty Sark. Although this is not a local ship, David was requested to complete her for a man in Newport, Gwent.

Finally, in early stages of construction is the beautiful Kathleen and May, built in North Wales in 1900, and in the first half of the 20th century was often seen alongside the quay at Pembroke delivering potatoes and grain to Fords Quay.

This she did until as late as 1960 before she retired and, after several prestigious berths in docks around the country, she is now being restored to sailing condition at a shipyard in Bideford.

Hopefully she will sail again but because of the barrage across the Pembroke river she will never again be able to lie alongside the North Quay of Pembroke. On completion this ship model will go on display in Pembroke Town Hall to mark the town's long connection with the sea and matters maritime.

This model building activity is a part of the West Wales Maritime Heritage Society's aim to ensure that the county's maritime history is recorded and passed on to future generations.

The society is also actively engaged in restoring old boats, of which there are four in seaworthy condition. Members also teach sailing to the sea cadets of TS Warrior, and involve as many other organisations as possible in their activities.