WORKING at something in which you already have an interest sounds like a career combination made in heaven.

Ian Cloke, a model collector for 20 years, has been running his own model business in Barnstaple Pannier Market for 11 years.

The opportunity to become his own boss fell into his lap at a time when he most needed it.

He was on the point of being made redundant as a store man at a factory when he learned that his friend who ran the model stall in the market was retiring.

As someone who was a collector himself, it was too good a chance to pass up.

Ian took over the business and his working life changed over night.

After 23 years cooped up in factories, he is now in charge of a very different working environment.

Ian, who lives in Landkey, said: "It worked out quite well really. This is a much better way of life.

"It is much more enjoyable. You meet a lot of different, interesting people and you get out to more places. I do a lot of steam rallies and classic car shows.

"I am no different to any other small one man business, you never know what's around the corner, but it is still a better way of life than being shut behind four walls."

Although the downturn in the economy has made things harder all round, business is still steady.

He said: "When money is tight hobbies are the first thing to suffer but I do have a lot of loyal local customers which I am very grateful for."

And the market being a significant historical landmark also attracts a lot of tourists, not just in the summer months but the whole year round.

He said: "There are very few markets like Barnstaple left anywhere in the country.

"It has a nice atmosphere and there's a nice range of products on different days."

Ian has been a collector for 20 years and specialises in models of motorcycles and racing cars.

He said: "I would hate to put a figure on them. They are literally in every room in the house."

Popular lines on his stall include model lorries, buses, cars and construction equipment.

A new line he has introduced over the last 12 months offers model vehicles to go with model railways.

He also sells a small selection of toys.

Model collecting appeals to "all sorts of people", according to Ian, although many advocates are older.

He added: "Believe it or not I have got several regular women collectors who collect one of every Morris 1,000 that comes out."

And, surprisingly, a lot of collectors go for models which reflect their real time occupations. So, there are firemen who collect fire engines and Post Office workers who collect Royal Mail vans.

Ian stocks merchandise from about 40 manufacturers including Corgi, Siku, Minichamps and Joal.

Items start around £2.99 but most of the serious collectibles begin in the £15 price range.

The most expensive model he sells — a Sunstar Bus — retails at £150.

Ian is in Barnstaple market on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.