A PRIVATE collection of tinplate models dating back to the 1920's has gone on display at an auctioneers.

Alfa Romeo P2 toy cars, made from tin metal, have been loaned to Tennants Auctioneers in Leyburn, North Yorkshire.

The esteemed toy cars, powered by a clockwork spring motor, allows them to be raced at a comparatively high speed, and all feature realistic suspension, a working steering wheel and an external exhaust pipe.

The collection of 20, century-old Alfa Romeo P2 models, are said to be one of Britain's largest collections of the toy.

The cars are based on the full-size P2 which was built in Italy in between 1925 and 1935 by the racing car designer Vittorio Jano.

Jano spent much of his working career designing Grand Prix racing cars for Italian teams.

The models on display at the North Yorkshire venue, remain in their original colours and are painted with the racing colours of various racing nations.

British Racing Green, which has become synonymous with Jim Clark's Lotus 33 Grand Prix racing car, represents Britain in the 20-strong collection.

The collection will remain on display at The Garden Rooms at Tennants until Friday, May 31.

The collection will be open to members of the public and without charge.