Nottingham - home of Warhammer - is now the global capital of war gaming

When it comes to mythical conflicts, Nottingham is associated with Robin Hood and the wicked sheriff rather than with legions of orcs and goblins.

But some of the universe's largest battles are fuelled by games companies based in the East Midlands city, in an area known as the 'Lead Belt' – a reference to the casting of model soldiers in lead alloy.

The largest of the firms, headquartered in an industrial estate not far from the city centre, is Games Workshop, owner of the Warhammer franchise and the world's largest manufacturer of miniature battle figures.

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Other companies to have set up shop in the area include The Assault Group, Mantic Games and Wargames Foundry.

Another, Warlord Games, makes a series called Bolt Action which it boasts is one of the world's leading Second World War wargames.

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The companies that make up the wider 'Lead Belt' account for about 90 per cent of the British wargaming miniatures market. Many supporting businesses are located nearby.