A gadget fan has modified a model helicopter to capture live footage of Colchester.

Gary Rowe, 29, of Roper Close, Mile End, ordered the £2,000 mean flying machine, with six propellors, off the internet.

He then attached a camera to it so he could gather aerial images.

Curiosity sparked the invention, which most recently has captured footage of the new link road being built between the Northern Approach Road and Axial Way in north Colchester.

Work on the £9million road started in August and it will eventually be used as part of the forthcoming Park and Ride at Cuckoo Farm due for completion at the end of next year.

Mr Rowe said: “The interest was just to see how that road looked because I saw work on it had started.”

The camera has a live feed meaning when it is airborne Mr Rowe can immediately watch footage being taken via the 7-inch screen on the hand-held controller.

The half-metre wide helicopter even has a satellite navigation system.

The highest Mr Rowe is allowed to fly the battery-powered device is 400ft, due to regulations set by the Civil Aviation Authority.

It has enough power to stay in the air for about 15 minutes depending on the manoevres being carried out.

Mr Rowe started taking aerial images in the summer as a hobby and puts them on a Facebook page.

Other footage captured has included the Weston Homes Community Stadium and the Firstsite gallery.