An Orford man has turned his nostalgic love for vintage action figures into a full time job.

Kev Fleming, 42, has been collecting retro toys from the 70s and 80s his whole life.

Inspired by the movies and cartoons of his childhood, a few years ago Kev, a former Birchwood High School pupil, launched his toy trading business Manic Minors Toy Store and bought and sold the vintage toys on a part time basis.

Lifelong Star Wars fan Kev would be up at dawn every Sunday hitting the car boot sales to track down collectibles. He also is a regular at auctions on the hunt for unusual finds.

From He-Man to Transformers, Superheroes to WWE, Kev has established a great reputation in the second-hand toy world and has become a go-to seller for people looking to track down a particular figure or for those looking to sell their collections. He also specialises in consoles and video games.

And former chef and catering tutor Kev has now decided to take the plunge and run his business full time, expanding into all second hand figures and toys.

Dad of two Kev said: “I’m really excited to go full time with the business. It’s a moment I’ve visualised for years.

"I love the daily hunt and waking up every day and not knowing what I might find. One day I could be at an auction, the next I’m helping out a family who are saving up for an X Box.

Warrington Guardian:

“Toys are now multi-generations and you see parents buying vintage action figures they remember from their own childhood to share and connect with their kids and grandkids. It’s a wonderful thing to be a part of.

“My current personal favourite is He-Man. He’s coming back in a big way.

"My little boy loves him and draws inspiration from his confidence – after all it takes a brave man to walk around in a loincloth!”

Warrington Guardian:

Kev - who says his favourite find to date was an obscure Thundercats figure at a boot sale - admits his dream discovery wouldn’t be an ultra-rare figure he could trade, rather “it would be great to find the person that bought all my stuff as a kid and buy it back.”

And Kev’s top tips for people perhaps looking for what toys could be worth something in years to come?

“Anything that is losing its popularity becomes valuable so grab those reduced toys in the bargain bin and stash them!”

For more information visit www.manicminorstoys.uk