Little Land Rovers: Instagram creator's big photography adventure By Charlotte Ball

BBC News Online Published duration 25 January

image copyright Liam Cant image caption Photographer Liam Cant has discovered a way to enjoy 4x4 adventures on a different scale

Taking a 4x4 vehicle on an off-road adventure with a camera in hand is "a bit of escapism" for Land Rover fan and Instagrammer Liam Cant.

And, to his surprise, photography of his replica vehicles is quickly gaining a social following as people fall in love with his @little_landrovers creations.

image copyright Liam Cant image caption At a glance the Land Rovers appear to be full-sized vehicles on countryside adventures

The 30-year-old maintenance engineer switched from 4x4 owner to collector of 1:43 scale Land Rover replicas in an effort to be more green.

He photographs the models with his smartphone, often while walking his dog near his Norfolk home, and then shares them online.

image copyright Liam Cant image caption "It's a bit of escapism... a break from doing something fairly industrial all day," the photographer said

He invests in the miniatures over expensive photographic equipment.

And while the models may be collectors' items, he has no qualms about getting them mucky and "realistic" in his quest for the perfect shot.

image copyright Liam Cant image caption "I'll just stick it in the mud... that was the point of the car," he said

Mr Cant's love of the vehicles started at the age of 13, when he visited the annual Land Rover show in Peterborough with his family.

"My first car was an old Land Rover 90 that my father and I built up from the chassis," he said.

"We were the typical father and son in the garage, doing bits and pieces during the summer holidays."

image copyright Liam Cant image caption Since starting his Instagram account in June, Mr Cant has grown a "supportive" following with his style of close-up model photography

Mr Cant's creative exploits around his home near Attleborough have drawn the attention of other dog walkers, resulting in plenty of "funny looks."

"One guy said: 'I thought you'd fallen over... are you playing [with toys]?'" he recalled.

"I could be embarrassed, but it's about what you get out of it. You show them the pictures afterwards, and they get it."

image copyright Liam Cant image caption This was one of the photographer's first Instagram shots, and his account now features more than 200 posts. Enjoying Land Rovers is not just about the cars, he said, but a "lifestyle"

Despite having owned several Land Rovers over the years, he decided commuting at 30 miles (48km) to the gallon was "not quite the right thing to do."

He maintains his love of British cars and now drives an old Rover which he said is more economical and "as close as I can get".

image copyright Liam Cant image caption He maintains his hobby isn't about 'likes', adding: "When you see a sunrise, that's what takes you out."

See more of Liam's work on Instagram @little_landrovers

Find BBC News: East of England on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you have an unusual hobby or collection - get in touch. Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk