Bid launched for LEGO puffin set inspired by Northumberland coast

Teaching assistant Steve Thomas developed a love for LEGO after launching an education LEGO club in the school where he works.

During lockdown, as a way to keep attendees of his club up-to-date, he launched Instagram and YouTube accounts where he now showcases his own creations.

During Amble Puffin Festival last year, Steve created LEGO puffins as part of an exhibition, prompting brilliant feedback from the local community.

He has since gone on to photograph the make-shift puffins in scenic landscapes around the Northumberland coast.

He said: “I love LEGO and I am part of a community called Brick Alley and we do lots of exhibitions around the North East.

“Last year, I went to the Puffin Festival in Amble and I made a baby puffin and people said it was lovely which inspired me to make real puffins

“I do lots on social media so I thought it would be really good to promote the local animals. The puffins are beautiful birds. I am planning a trip to the Farne Islands next to see if I can get some pictures with actual puffins in the background.”

Steve has now launched his puffins on LEGO Ideas where, if he gets 10,000 votes within the year, he is in with a chance of his creation becoming a real set.

The idea consists of two puffins watching over the entrance to their burrow, a rocky grassy habitat where their puffling is hiding, munching on freshly caught fish. One of the parent puffins even has a fish in his beak which can be changed to a different colour.

Steve added: “I had a great idea to launch it as a LEGO Idea. The Facebook community has been great, if everyone voted who liked it, I would have the 10,000 votes I need.

"It would be awesome if I was successful. The students in my club would love it too, they are my biggest supporters.”

Steve launched his LEGO Idea just last week and already has 3,269 supporters. Votes for the set can be made here.