A model car shop that started in the corner of a newsagent's has grown into a £2 million business.

In 1975 Howard and Sue Cliff bought a newsagent's shop in Gay Lane, Otley, and two years later started selling aeroplane and boat kits as a sideline.

By 1987 the models had outgrown the shop and the couple were forced to move to larger premises in Cross Green.

Now Modelsport UK has a worldwide reputation, a website attracting more than 4,000 visits every day, and an annual turnover of £2 million.

Having expanded three times, the Cliffs are looking ahead to a time when the East-of-Otley relief road is built and their mail order business can take off on the proposed new industrial estate.

Over the years, the business has grown by them spotting a gap in the market and grasping new technology.

Soon after moving to Cross Green, then just a single shop, Mr Cliff, 53, made the decision to specialise in radio controlled cars.

"It was a relatively new sector of the model trade at the time but rapid advances in technology convinced me that this would be the growth area of the future. I wanted to provide a comprehensive selection of models with a full spares and service back-up."

The Cliffs started to advertise widely in the newly established model car magazines and very soon built up an enviable mail order business for both the home market and abroad.

Seven years ago, the shop next door in Cross Green came up for sale, giving the Cliffs the opportunity to expand again.

And in 1977 Mr Cliff set up the first Modelsport website. Now the business employs eight full time and five part time people including the Cliffs' son, Gavin, 25, who is assistant manager.

Over the last three years, Mr Cliff has been developing the website.

"Our virtual shop has the busiest website in the model car trade," he said.

Modelsport UK's website is www.modelsport.co.uk