Model railway enthusiasts were chuffed when an exhibition took place on a much grander scale than usual.

The Bridport and District Model Railway Club held a successful exhibition at the Sir John Colfox Academy, Bridport. It was the first time the club had held the exhibition at the school, and organisers say it was more enlarged and extensive with more layouts and displays than ever before.

The exhibition was well supported by local people and visitors coming from far and wide.

Alongside the exhibiting layouts, with British and continental themes in all popular gauges from ‘N’ gauge up to ‘0’ gauge, there were trade stands selling model railway products, including a display by world famous manufacturer ‘PECO’ from Seaton.

The ‘00’ gauge layout by Graham Bean, from Colyton, called ‘Tormouth Quay,’ which recently featured in national model railway magazine, attracted lots of attention while the ‘H0m’ gauge layout by Mervyn Kendall. from Plymouth, called ‘Lenz’ depicted a winter scene in Switzerland.

Some club members showed their personal layouts ranging from the ‘009’ gauge Welsh scene, depicted by John Edge and his ‘Lane End,' to John Cavell with his ‘0’ gauge ‘Crossways Wagon Works’ depicting a much-reduced works with a traverser. There were several rail-related ‘have a go’ stands where visitors could try shunting and control.

The club was very pleased to welcome a number of allied model displays including some ‘Meccano’ models made and displayed by John Day from Bridport. Dave Harris from Southampton brought his model of ‘Portswood Bus Station’ containing a large number of single and double deck buses. Douglas Beazer had his unique and interesting display about the Royal Train, which again was well-received, and Neil Grace from Salisbury presented his ‘Studland’ which showed the versatility of Lego rail to enthusiasts of all ages.

The public were encouraged to take part in a vote for the best exhibit in the show to win the trophy which was presented by Bob Ahrens, the club’s exhibition manager. The trophy was won by ‘Castell Mawr’ by club member and chairman, Bridport's Geoff Trenholme.

Mr Ahrens said the show displayed a 'very high standard' and suggested there was something for everyone. Club publicity officer, Mr Beazer, thanked everyone for their efforts and said the club was pleased with the support given by the public. He thanked everyone who made the show 'so successful.'

The next exhibition will take place at the public hall in Beaminster on Saturday, January 12.