An army of wargaming fans descended on Westbrook Walk in Alton last Saturday for the opening of The Iron Sprue.

This shop caters for people who play games such as Warhammer and Dungeons & Dragons or paint miniature figures.

Owner Tim Hull-Daley, a player since the early 1990s, said: “The wargaming community is not always fully understood, so I want Iron Sprue to become a space for them to gather, enjoy what they do and find a home.”

The Iron Sprue stocks fantasy, historical and sci-fi miniatures, collectible card games and rule books for Dungeons & Dragons, Warhammer, Bolt Action, Frostgrave, Halo Flashpoint and Moonstone.

It features painting tables, board games, a commission painting studio, demo games, gaming tables, miniatures, paints, brushes, basing materials and supplements.

Tim said of opening day: “It went extremely well, swimmingly in fact. There was a really good turnout, with a queue at the door, so that was very encouraging.

“We have Dungeons & Dragons nights, demo games, painting sessions, after-school clubs, weekend sessions and tournaments, so there’s a lot going on.”

Tim explained how the games worked.

He said: “Usually it’s two armies fighting each other over land and resources. Mainly it’s done by throwing an obscene amount of dice, but there are also cards involved.

“There’s also Blood Bowl, which is like fantasy American football, like gnomes and elves versus vampires. It’s a lot of fun!”

So where does the name The Iron Sprue come from?

Tim said: “A sprue is the frame on which miniatures are cast - the bit left over when you take them off.

“But it also sounds like a Dungeons & Dragons cavern, like a pub - which is where every Dungeons & Dragons campaign seems to start!”

The Iron Sprue is open 10am-5pm, Monday-Saturday. Gaming tables are bookable until 9.45pm. Call 01420 481472, email [email protected] or visit www.theironsprue.com