SOME of us are lucky enough to love our jobs. Others eagerly set their sights on retirement. But what if your hobby could help you retire early? Take a leaf out of Philip Dean's book.

He's just written a hardback about Wend-al of Blandford, the onetime Blandford toy manufacturers whose commodities have become collectable.

And he has been able to pack in his job running a professional photographic laboratory at the age of 57.

Following an extraordinarily successful auction of his antique toy collection (15 years in the making) at Christie's last December he is now enjoying a belated gap year.

Wend-al's aluminium toy figurines may not have been the most profitable part of Philip's sale but the miniature playthings, around which his publication centres, hold a special place in his heart.

Bournemouth born and bred, Philip's mother's side of the family originate from Blandford, the site of the Wend-al factory from 1946-1953. Good fortune led Philip to become acquainted with the company's founder, Edgar Kehoe, and he decided to publish a tribute to the Wend-al empire.

"It just seemed a story that deserved, or needed, to be written and I thoroughly enjoyed writing it.

"And to link my love of writing with the photography side and toys you've got three of my favourite occupations in one."

The book is made up of anecdotes and memories about Wend-Al that was founded on the site of the old Isolation Hospital in Blandford. The company made aluminium figures of everything from zoo animals to toytown soldiers.

Sadly, the availability of cheaper plastic figures heralded the end of Wend-al but it was not long before its beautiful toys became sought after by collectors. Edgar Kehoe himself died in 2004 at the age of 101.

Philip may be very proud of his handiwork but he's under no illusion that his book, Wend-al of Blandford, will be heading up this year's bestsellers list.

"I don't expect to ever get a Pulitzer prize or even make a profit on it."

Philip's profits from his enterprising toy trades, however, can absorb the cost of such an endeavour. So what advice does Philip have for any potential collectors? "Buy the best you can afford.

"Anything in its original box adds considerable value. Think quality and quantity one high, one low. One piece at £100 is worth far more than 100 pieces at £1."

Surprisingly, there isn't a toy figurine in sight in the family home. Philip's wife Angela apparently stipulated a long time ago she didn't want to live in a toy museum so his collections are banished to a secret location.

  • Wend-al Of Blandford is published by Avalon Images, price £25.