Prime Minister David Cameron is poised to approve a £5 billion order for two new aircraft carriers for the Royal Navy - thanks to a boyhood hobby.
The decision follows a meeting of the national security council he chaired yesterday. And it comes amid fierce debate about spending cuts and which direction Britain's defence policy should take.
But an old school chum says political argument has little to do with Cameron's decision.
"When we were kids he had an Airfix model kit of HMS Victorious," said the friend, who wished to remain nameless.
"He loved that kit and took hours and hours making it right and getting the paint job just so.
"He always said that when he grew up, if he got the chance he would build aircraft carriers. Well, now he's going to fulfil that wish."
Victorious saw action in several theatres of WWII - most famously, she took part in sinking the Bismarck.
