A HAULAGE operator is set to keep on trucking forever after hearing his lorry is being immortalised by a major toy manufacturer.

Stephen Corner is the proud owner of a Scania T Cab, which he drives throughout Britain from his depot at Winston near Barnard Castle, County Durham.

He was displaying it at a major truck show in Peterborough when its red and grey livery caught the eye of an official from the model toy company Corgi, who asked if he would allow it to be reproduced.

Mr Corner said yesterday: "I agreed right away, as I look on this as an honour. My firm has 12 lorries, but this is my favourite and I drive it myself as often as I can.

"The cab is different to most other Scania units as it has a bonnet on front, and this coupled with its colours will make many collectors want to buy the model."

He has won around 40 show prizes with the vehicle since he bought it for £85,000 last year.

It can haul a 40-tonne load on a trailer, and he uses it mainly to transport diggers and other heavy machinery.

Corgi, based in Leicester,is preparing to issue the new model next March and expect it to sell for around £35.

Jill Edwards, the company's marketing manager for collectables, said: "This model will be included in our 2008 catalogue, which enthusiasts all over the world will be studying as soon as it is issued, so that they can place orders quickly.

"This will be in a limited edition, with anything from 1,500 to 2,000 made. These models used to be thought of as toys, but they are now regarded as collectables, and collectors place their orders promptly rather than risk losing out."

The models are made to a scale of 1/50th. Mr Corner, who is managing director of his firm, SC Transport, was sent a prototype of his model for approval, and then had to send it back to that work could start on it.

He added: "It looks really good, about six inches long with my colours and name on it. I am really looking forward to it going on sale."