NERF LOVERS: Matthew ’Yowie’ Swales, Joshua ’Reeper’ Dobeli, and Zach Panik form part of the Red Eye Division Nerf Blasters crew. David Nielsen

AN IPSWICH park will become a make-shift battle ground tomorrow as a group of NERF gun enthusiasts marks its first year anniversary of a social group dedicated to the toy.

The Red Eye Division, a group started in social networking site Facebook are celebrating its first anniversary with a birthday "war" at Sutton Park in Brassall.

The group is the brain child of leader who goes by the anonymous title of Zach Panik.

The lifelong fan of NERF guns created the group after purchasing nearly 30 of the toys during a sale last year.

Once a humble children's toy, NERF guns now pack a punch, with the brand expanding its range of weapons to shotguns and automatic weapons.

What hasn't changed is the foam ammunition which lends itself to an afternoon of fun and games.

Panik and his friends enjoyed the bounty amongst themselves before deciding it would be much more fun to have a larger battle.

"Ten of us started with it and we started playing in a park near the railway museum," he said.

Its popularity was evident from the beginning, with passers-by asking if they could join in on the fun.

"We set up an area where we are not too secluded but so we are not in anyone's way."

A year later and the group has surpassed 100 members on Facebook and attracts around 25 would-be warriors to each outing.

The battles include a traditional capture the flag game, humans versus zombies and terrorist versus army.

While they may sound sinister, the battles are based on safety and fun.

An area of 180m is roped off for the games which can last up to three hours and lead to a lot of running around.

Tomorrow's battle begins at 10am and runs until 4pm.

Panik said new comers were welcome, but children under the age of 18 would need their parents' permission to take part.

For more information on the group search for I.A.S.A club on Facebook.