VISITORS to a new development in Bolton might be forgiven for thinking they had stepped into Cold War Russia.

For determinedly standing guard at the entrance is a 1960s-built Russian T122 tank.

The 40-tonne monster is part of a collection owned by developers B & E Boys who have bought an industrial site on Britannia Way, off Waters Meeting Road, Astley Bridge.

And well as developing the land as a business centre, the site will also become home to a selection of military vehicles from across the world which are owned by the Boys family.

The Rossendale-based developers, who have a collection of war paraphernalia at their headquarters, plan to turn the newly-acquired site into a centre for some of their 60 tanks, armoured cars and other war machines.

The tank already there- believed to have been used by the Egyptian army and thought to be the only one in Britain - will be restored and offered for sale along with the rest of their huge collection.

Over the last 15 years, the family have collected an arsenal of ex-army vehicles which includes British Centurion tanks, Russian T34 tanks and American Humvee armoured cars, some worth as much as £25,000, which they sell to collectors.

Director Peter Boys said: "It's more of a hobby that has grown and grown than a business venture, but we do trade them on the internet. They're just very interesting machines when you look at how they've advanced over the years.

"We have acquired the Bolton site and are running a bit short of space at Rossendale for some of the tanks.

"The tank was bought recently from Chorley and it was just more convenient to drop it off in Bolton rather than anywhere else.

"We're hoping to have an open day early next year when there are a few more pieces down here and hope that it will generate a bit of interest in both the tanks and the new development."

The 15-acre site will become an office and industrial complex which could create as many as 900 new jobs - as well as housing the military pieces.