A MAN from Padgate has spent years rebuilding lost areas of Warrington by using his computer.

Markus Collins, who grew up in Padgate but now lives in Fearnhead, has been creating digital models of 'lost' areas of Warrington since 2017.

Markus said he was first inspired to take up the challenge because he lives opposite the site of Enfield Hall park in Fearnhead - a site that Markus said had 'been partially-removed from history'.

Warrington Guardian: Markus reconstructed Enfield Hall, which used to be in FearnheadMarkus reconstructed Enfield Hall, which used to be in Fearnhead

Part of Markus' 'mammoth' project was rebuilding the RAF camp that was located in Padgate, and the Orford Balloon Barrage - which overall includes over 200 buildings.

He then took to rebuilding 19th-century buildings within the town centre, including Parish Church, Warrington Museum, and the Town Hall.

Not only this, but over the five years he has spent on the project, Markus has also reconstructed the Manchester Ship Canal with its locks, as well as the train viaduct and stations.

Markus said: "I needed to stay active - whether in body or mind - and to speak out that even people with mental health conditions can achieve amazing things like this.

"Sara [Markus' partner of 22 years] told me for the last five years that I was crazy, but she had every faith in me."

Warrington Guardian: Markus has recreated the RAF base that used to be in PadgateMarkus has recreated the RAF base that used to be in Padgate

Markus added: "In an ideal world, this could be such a great set of learning tools, covering old buildings, Warrington at war, and the building of the Ship Canal.

"Wouldn't we all like learning to be fun, and to still learn!"