A Mark IV tank

Ahead of next year’s centenary of the start of the Great War, a keen military enthusiast has parked a World War I tank on his own driveway.

Anthony Cooke, 57, from Cottenham in Cambridge has surprised his neighbours by parking the six-and-a-half tonne vehicle outside his home on a residential street.

The tank – which is one of only two that are still capable of running in Europe – has been restored by Mr Cooke over the course of seven months. He spent £40,000 purchasing and restoring the outside of the 13ft-wide Mark IV tank, and will now turn his attentions to redoing the interior of the military vehicle.

Mr Cooke told the Metro newspaper that his neighbours were supportive of his decision to park the tank outside his home, and that they appreciated the piece of historic memorabilia.

He told the news source: “People do get a shock when they first see the tank in the middle of a residential estate. But I’m very lucky as my neighbours love it and one little boy even says good night to it each evening.

“It takes up my entire drive and I now have to park my car down the road, but it’s worth it as it will look great when it is finished,” added Mr Cooke.