The model parliament?

The 30ft-long structure reaches 14ft at its highest point – Big Ben – and has taken a team four weeks to build in a barn in the village of Goudhurst, Kent.

Just over a week before the jubilee celebrations, it will appear to float on the village pond, while being lit from behind at night by solar lights.

Schoolchildren will make 300 small wooden boats which will be floated on the pond to mimic the pageant planned to take place on the River Thames to mark 60 years of the Queen’s reign.

One of its creators, Bill Musgrave, 71, pictured, said: “Not too many people have seen it, but those who have have said they have been overwhelmed by it. When I was asked to make it, I never thought it would be quite as good as it is.

“After the jubilee, it is hoped it will be used in the months and years ahead at other village events.”

The idea for the creation came after the village’s jubilee committee members were leafing through a book Mr Musgrave wrote to mark the turn of the millennium.

Inside the book were pictures of another replica Houses of Parliament built in the village to celebrate the Queen’s coronation in 1953.

Richard Hillier, chairman of the Goudhurst Diamond Jubilee Committee, said: “Goudhurst village has always been at the forefront of celebrating occasions connected with the Queen, such as her coronation and jubilees. We always put on a good show.”