A GIANT space rocket thought to be the largest in the world made from LEGO was unveiled at a Basingstoke museum.

More than 100 parents and children watched as a spaceman counted down to the launch of the rocket, made with more than 300,000 LEGO bricks, at Milestones Museum on Tuesday.

Visitors to the museum have helped to build the six-metre tall LEGO rocket since the Bricks in Motion exhibition at the Basingstoke Leisure Park museum opened earlier this year.

On Tuesday, families took part in two competitions to make their own rocket and a tower.

The winning children were awarded LEGO kit prizes donated by the museum’s gift shop, after the entries were judged by Duncan Titmarsh, the UK’s only LEGO certified professional.

Spaceman Jim, otherwise known as actor Jamie Barry, gave an introductory talk about space, and answered questions including how astronauts go to the toilet.

Sheila Hennings, Milestones manager, said: “There was a great party atmosphere – many of the people here had contributed to the building of the rocket, so there was a sense of pride there too.

“We believe this is the largest LEGO rocket to have been built anywhere in the world.”

The Bricks in Motion exhibition showcases the history of transportation, with model vehicles including the Ford Model T and Concorde. It will run until Sunday, April 26.