A MINIATURE village at the bottom of a Gorse Hill garden is fast evolving into a sprawling metropolis.

Shirley and Richard Flippence have carefully crafted their 200ft by 40ft garden into a mini tourist attraction, containing more than 30 buildings.

The downscaled world, set up three years ago, is home to everything from houses and a railway station to a yacht club and a safari park.

There is even a beach and a farm complete with glasshouses and stables.

The couple, who live at 411 Cricklade Road, do not charge an admission fee to view the showpiece, instead they ask for small donations to Pinehurst Infant School, where their daughter, Lisa, works.

Since opening the garden more than £200 has been raised helping to fund play equipment.

In June 2002, £160 was raised for the Breakthrough Breast Cancer through an open garden event.

Mr and Mrs Flippence recently returned from a holiday in Devon, where they bought some more figures.

"We now have a Western scene," said Mrs Flippence.

"People seem to love it, even though numbers have been down due to the bad weather and the Olympics."

Anyone wanting to pay a visit should call 01793 335598.