Help us build our mosaic

As well as models to see and LEGO to buy there will be plenty of hands-on activities to get involved with at the show. One of the most popular is helping to build the giant mosiac. This year's design is based on the LEGO Friends theme which has been hugely popular since its launch in January.

Once again the mosiac and the building instructions, which are really easy for even the youngest children to follow, have been created by Martin Long, the GWLS co-ordinator. Martin has become something of an expert in producing them and has worked on mosaics of all sizes, including two record-breakers. This one will be 6m x 4m and will consist of 98,304 2x2 plates in eleven colours, covering 384 LEGO baseplates.

I won't reveal the whole image here -- the picture on the right is just a small section -- you'll have to come to the show to see it all!

What does Martin like best about his mosaics? "Seeing the finished article.  It always looks stunning!"  And his least favourite part?  "Having to take it all apart afterwards!  Funnily enough, there never seems to be many volunteers for that job!"

During the show we'll also be running a Friends competition with a prize of 3315 Olivia's House. I'm not going to tell you the question but you'll be in with a good chance of getting it right if you can remember the names of the five LEGO friends...