EVERY structure needs a firm base and that’s what gave a Hampshire man the inspiration to develop a new construction toy.

Base Ace, the brainchild of Brian Stickley from Romsey, provides children with an exciting, expandable 3D structure on which to build and play.

“It can be customised, connected and expanded to create unique environments such as Spaces Stations, Army Camps or an exciting backdrop for a Superhero mission,” said Brian, 45.

Crucially the system, which was developed with the help of Solent University, is compatible with Lego and Mega Blocks

“Like many other households across the world, we have a large toy box full of LEGO bricks and mini figures,” said Brian. “Both of my sons are big LEGO fans but they play in different ways. My eldest son likes to build models and put them on his shelf to admire, whilst my youngest son loves to play with his models. It takes time to build a large kit and I noticed the disappointment as his constructions fell apart as he played.

“I realised that something stronger was needed with quick and easy assembly. I also thought it would be good to build more exciting shapes but still allow the boys to be creative with their bricks and figures.”

The bases are made of wood with a plastic inset bearing the pegs which allow them to snap together with Lego pieces. The wooden parts are made in Alton, the plastic components in Portsmouth, and the kits are assembled and packed at a warehouse in Romsey.

There are LED lights to illuminate platforms and make the bases glow in the dark and Sound FX Modules to record and playback your own sound effects.

Brian sought help with drawing and prototypes from the Product Design Team at Southampton Solent University.

He’d worked with the university before through his firm Talking Products which makes educational equipment and aids for independent living.

Mark Jones, programme group leader on the university’s BA production Design Course, said this was the first time he’d worked on a toy.

“It’s been an interesting project,” said Mark. “We both have young children and it’s been good to develop a toy which gets young people away from computer gaming to engage in creative play.”

He said the beauty of Base Ace was that each part in a kit could be use either way up, was compatible with every other part and the whole thing packed down into carton the size of a pizza box.

Base Ace will officially launch at the BRICK 2015 LEGO Show at the NEC in Birmingham October 29 and the product will also be on view at Brick 2015 Lego Show at the ExCel in London’s Docklands in December.