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junk in the trunk
A FORMER squaddie has turned his garden into a mock battle ground to raise money for Ukraine - but it's divided his neighbours.
Adrian 'Ady' Hilton decided to declutter his "messy" home in Rugby, Warwickshire by transforming the the front yard.
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The centrepiece is a decommissioned Land Rover which was riddled with bullets while in service in Iraq.
And while many locals say the military-themed space is "colourful and creative", not everyone has been cheered by his efforts.
The former Royal Signals soldier, 58, inherited his 1930s semi when his dad died suddenly two-and-a-half years ago, and said it was "full of junk".
As he began a huge clear-out recently, he decided to use his collection of forces memorabilia to help support Ukraine's war against Russia.
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The traffic-stopping garden in Lawford Road has received both praise and censure from those living nearby.
One local raved: “It looks like a movie scene."
But others took to social media to air their disappointment.
A woman living nearby shared photos of the home, writing: "This is our neighbour's display, which has got bigger over time.
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"It's now pretty untidy."
But when asked about the criticism, single dad Ady said: "How dare they.
"It’s meant to bring pleasure to the public.
“I’m trying to raise awareness for our military who risk their lives for this country. My heart goes out to the poor Ukrainian people.
"I’d love to be out in Ukraine fighting, doing my bit for them against Russian forces.”
As well as the Land Rover, Ady's garden now features camouflage nets, Union Jack flags, homemade replica weapons, search lights and field radios.
'LIKE A MOVIE'
He's also used shrubbery from a neighbour's garden as decoration.
Paul, who lives next door, told The Sun: "He's using it to create his life story and express himself.
"It shows you can be an individual."
The 61-year-old admitted the scene "looked a little bit untidy at one point blowing in the wind" - but added: "It's great now."
Another local, who is in his early 70s, said: “I think it’s very creative, a good way of clearing out a house and most people around here appreciate it.
“There’s something going on in his garden every day. He’s not had many negative comments, mainly all positive.
We like his garden - it's different and the kids love it
“It’s artistic and there’s no need for anyone to complain.”
Natasha Ely, 45, who lives in the street, said: “Ady keeps busy out there and I can’t knock what he’s doing. It's eventful.
“We should be able to do what we want to do as long as it’s not illegal and we’re not not hurting anyone.
“He moved in when his dad died a few years ago and he’s quite a character.
“We like his garden - it’s different and the kids love it. It looks good.”
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Ady's Land Rover, bought for £8,500 in 2013, caught the eye of Russian tourist Aryiom Grekov yesterday.
The 37-year-old, who is on a visit to Rugby to see friends, said: "It looks great - like a real scene."
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