Tankers join Corgi celebrations

Corgi started producing models in Swansea 50 years ago

A model toy of a Pembrokeshire haulage tanker has become a must-have item - not for children but for many fathers.

To celebrate its 50th anniversary Corgi has produced scale replicas of tankers used by Mansel Davies & Son of Llanfyrnach near Crymch.

Since they went on sale last month the models have proved so popular they have become difficult to track down.

Corgi, once based in Swansea, has made four special editions - two English and one each in Northern Ireland and Wales.

The 1:50 scale model Mansel Davies Volvo FH Globetrotter tankers are selling for just under £100.

'Very proud'

Geraint James of Siop DJ in Fishguard said: "We've had the lorries for about two or three weeks and we've sold dozens and dozens.

"I think their popularity [is because] they are an old established company and they have contributed a lot to the local economy - they've employed hundreds and hundreds of people so they have left their mark on the area.

"It's one of four special editions and it's definitely a collectors item. It's mainly the big boys and not the little boys that have been buying them."

Corgi first started producing toys in Swansea 1956.

It released the special editions to celebrate its 50th anniversary and chose Mansel Davies & Son in Wales as it had produced a separate model of one of their vehicles before.

Managing director Stephen Mansel Davies, said: "It's nice for the company, us as a family and everyone involved with us - each one of us is very proud.

"They tell me that they have sold out - it's nice to see people still have an interest in the type of work that we do.

"I've got one myself - it's for the kids really but we'll have to wait and see as to whether they will be worth much in the long term."