Rail fans to get steamed up

A collection of locomotives will be puffing their way into Weston Park this weekend for the annual visiting engines weekend.

The 17th century stately home based at Weston-under-Lizard, near Wolverhampton, will host this year's event, the Miniature Railway Weekend, tomorrow and also on Sunday .

Over the course of the two days, a selection of miniature steam and diesel locomotives from around the country will be on display and giving rides on the one-and-a-quarter mile railway in the grounds of the park.

The route will take visitors through the woods, lakes and bridges, offering a scenic 12-minute journey.

Looking forward to the weekend, Bruce Whalley, of Weston Park Railway, explained: "We are expecting some fine models of locomotives that not only ran in Britain but also in North America on some of the most famous narrow gauge railways on that continent." These include the Shay - one of the most famous 20th century logging engines.

And organisers are praying for good weather over the two day event to help attract hordes of rail enthusiasts.

Mr Whalley said: "We hold the event every year and the attendance does depend largely on the weather.

"Normally, we would expect several hundred visitors but this could increase if there is glorious sunshine or fall if it is wet, so we are keeping our fingers crossed."

Standard Weston Park admission prices apply. There is an additional charge - adults £2, children £1.50 - to ride on the miniature railway. Gates will open at 11am, with rides running until the 5pm mark.

For further details of this or other events visit the website www.weston-park.com or telephone 01952 852 100.

Weston Park hosts the V Festival concerts in August. A total of 80,000 music fans will watch headliners The Killers, Foo Fighters and Snow Patrol supported by star names such as Jarvis Cocker, Amy Winehouse, Basement Jaxx, Mika and The Kooks.

By Nick Pritchard