By Sarah Newstead

Last updated at 15:21, Friday, 10 June 2011

An Australian toy truck enthusiast is a model customer for one Wigton store, travelling 20,000 miles to buy miniature lorries.

Kevin Easterbrook with Brenda Jackson

Kevin Easterbrook, 50, flew in from his home near Brisbane to visit Jackson’s Models on Wigton’s New Street last week.

Shop owner Brenda Jackson said: “He’s interested in British trucks and has an Albion truck himself in Australia.

“Everybody in the shop knows him – he just loves being here.”

A firm favourite with staff and other customers alike Kevin, who is a truck driver in his native country, will be spending plenty of time in Jackson’s during his month-long stay in Cumbria.

A hidden treasure trove of tiny buses, lorries, cars, trains, speedboats and aeroplanes, Jackson’s has been in the market town for 10 years. Business is good despite the economic downturn, according to Brenda as enthusiasts stay loyal to their hobby.

But Mr Easterbrook is perhaps the store’s most dedicated customer yet.

“He first came over last May,” said Mrs Jackson, “and he stayed with my cousin at Skinburness.

“It started when he bought something from us online, then rang up to inquire about something else.

“He just became a regular customer. We were sending him parcels every two to four weeks.

“Kevin had never holidayed out of Australia before and he’d never been on a plane so it was a very big step.

“He’s staying with another customer this time in Carlisle.

“Kevin is more part of the family than a customer – he gets on with everybody and has a lot of friends here now.”

First published at 14:09, Friday, 10 June 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk