Just what is it that makes collectors tick?

Yesterday, that was the big question as a great British tradition was celebrated at the first Hobbies and Collectors Exhibition at the picturesque Suffield Village Hall.

Among those trying to answer it was packaging designer David Rogers, from Suffield, who showed off a range exhibits from his 1,500-strong collection of Swatch watches.

Mr Rogers said: 'it's about that never-ending passion that you are eventually going to complete your collection. But you never do.'

His Swatch collection started when he was bought one of the Swiss timepieces at the age of 12 before going into hospital to have hearing aids fitted.

He also collects vintage Rolexes, plus stamp first-day covers dating back to when he was born in 1971.

The exhibition included people's collections of model trains, planes and trucks, Meccano sets, Lego and Steiff teddy bears.

The owner of the bears, Christine Green, from Suffield, was also showing off an extraordinary dolls' house, complete with a beautiful collection of dolls and furniture.

She said: 'This is my love. I collect dolls from wherever I can and have been doing it for eight years. I think the joy of collecting is so that other people can share what you have.'

Mrs Green, a reflexologist, said she had done the electrics, wallpaper and carpeting of the dolls' house herself.

Outside in the sunshine, there were two American trucks - one of which exhibition organiser Graham Morris slept in overnight on Saturday to ensure nothing was stolen.

Mr Morris, who showed off his collection of trains, including Class 37 engines, said: 'If you start something, it's very hard to stop. I am collecting the Class 37s in all their different colours. I have three to go.'

He said there was a waiting list for people wanting to exhibit their collections, and said there was a good chance that the exhibition would be repeated in 2012.