ARMIES of hand-painted miniature men and beasts are facing each other ready to do battle. No, it’s not a scene from Gulliver’s Travels, it’s a table-top strategy game.

When Sebastian Parkinson, 28, from Stroud, had to leave his job as a store manager with Games Workshop in Cheltenham to look after his son, he decided it was the perfect opportunity to launch his own business.

Registering as self-employed, Sebastian opened Atlantic Games on Nelson Street in December, offering chess lessons to schools as well as strategy games.

“I’m going to make a financially viable company to support my family and future dreams with something that brings the community together,” said Sebastian.

Participants hand paint model miniatures before taking them to battle in contests such as Warhammer.

Each opponent has an army and they use military tactics to fight each other. The games each have specific objectives and scenarios and last between one and two hours.

Since Sebastian opened he has had some surprising commissions and was asked to paint a koi carp on the handle of a walking stick.

Currently hosting inter-school chess competitions and lessons with Stroud Valleys and Severn View Academy, Sebastian hopes to take on more chess tournaments in school hours.

Atlantic Games is open at £2 entrance fee on Fridays, 4-10pm, Saturdays, noon -8pm and £3 on Sundays 11am-6pm for Dungeons and Dragons.