BUCKLER’S Hard has seen some of the most historic vessels ever built.

But the picturesque Hampshire village played host to some of the smallest when it staged a convention organised by the European Association of Ships in Bottles.

The event was opened by Lord Montagu of Beaulieu’s daughter, the Hon Mary Montagu-Scott.

About 30 members of the association showcased their work and demonstrated the unique maritime craft, explaining that some examples take a year to complete.

The group was formed 30 years ago with the aim of keeping the traditional pursuit alive.

It has 170 members from all over the world, who hold a convention every two years so they can meet, share ideas and enter their models in competitions.

Buckler’s Hard was a major shipbuilding centre in the 18th and early 19th centuries.

Vessels launched there included HMS Euryalus, HMS Swiftsure and HMS Agamemnon, all of which fought at the Battle of Trafalgar.