A 'nasty' internal war has broken out in the normally sedate world of model aircraft enthusiasts, who use the old aerodrome on Little Haldon, near Teignmouth and Dawlish.

Tempers have become so heated it has resulted in the disbandment of a Devon area club and almost led to fights.

And it all revolves around the £120 a year paid by the British Model Flying Association for the fire breaks to be kept clear in the area.

One of the regulars who flies his models there, Loris Gorng, described the feuding as 'disgusting and appalling', and reckoned it was 'all a storm in a tea cup' that had escalated out of control.

The long disused aerodrome, where fighter planes were stationed in the last war, and was a busy little airport between the wars, is part of the Ashcombe Estate, and classed as common land.

Members of the Devon branch of the British Model Flying Club have used it for years, and donated £120 a year to the estate as a contribution towards maintenance of the fire breaks, which is essential to ensure there is plenty of space for the models to take off and land.

Mr Gorng, 77, of Brixham, says some members from the Plymouth area objected to the payment, which sparked off a major row.

'The Plymouth people do not come up here much, they have their own areas closer to home, and argued that they should not have to contribute towards a facility they rarely use.

'They raised it at meetings, and it became so unpleasant, with shouting and pushing, and some people wanting to take others "outside", for a fight. I have never come across anything like it, and it is just too ridiculous for words.'

Mr Gorng said the national association had to step in and temporarily suspend the Devon branch because of all the trouble. It was hoped to re-form the branch later in the year when tempers may have calmed down.

'The £120 is peanuts really, when the Devon area is allocated a budget of £900 a year from head office. Members only pay £28 a year, which is good value for all the benefits.

'Because it is common land at the aerodrome, the public can use it as well. The club has an agreement with the landowner, and we try and keep the area in good order for all.

'It is a popular hobby, and Haldon is ideal for us, especially considering its history. There are about 700 members across Devon, but Haldon is mainly used by members from in the immediate area.

'The estate offered to sell us that strip of land, and we were keen to acquire it, but the deal fell through after objections from English Nature, the nearby golf club and somebody who lives about a mile away.

'But we will keep on using the aerodrome, and will not let this silly dispute spoil it for us. It is nasty, and just so petty,' he said.