A RETIRED inventor who just can’t down tools has built a giant dragon in his garden.

Colin Smith, 71, is a big fan of the recent TV adaptations of George R R Martin’s books called Game of Thrones.

So much so he was inspired to build a “life-sized” dragon in his garden.

Colin, from Slaugham, near Bolney, said: “I think those dragons in the TV series are incredible. They get more incredible as the series goes on.

“I love making things and I thought this would be a bit of fun.”

The dragon, yet to be named, measures a staggering five metres long and two and a half metres wide.

It is made of recycled materials found in Colin’s garden shed.

It took two years to build and he hopes to sell the mythical beast to a worthy home.

He said: “There is a big Game of Thrones exhibition in Belfast, it would be great if it went there.

“It will be interesting to see who is interested.”

Colin hasn’t decided on a price yet, but the proceeds will go to the various wildlife charities he supports, including the David Shepherd Foundation.

He said: “I am quite well-known for having different installations in my garden.

“The last one I did was during Halloween when I made a witch that ‘flew’ into a telegraph pole.”

The dragon’s “skeleton” is made from plastic pipes and the main body is built using plant netting rolled into tubes and filled with an industrial foam that sets when left to dry. The wings are made from an old gazebo and the entire creature is spray painted with mainly terracotta to match those in the programme.