THERE wasn't a ticket collector in sight as the annual Model Railway Show coasted ahead at full speed on Saturday.

Train enthusiasts and young children alike came along for the ride at St Andrew's church hall, Leyland.

That became the platform for ten model railways, based on layouts ranging from The Leyland Parkway, a model of a suggested new modern design for the main line station, to Nijland, a model depicting a fictitious Dutch border station.

Of course, no railway exhibition would be complete without children's favourite, Thomas the Tank engine, which arrived on time and became part of the Drive it Yourself layout for youngsters.

About 450 people turned up for the Leyland Model Railway Club-organised event which is now in its eighth year.

The club, which has been running for 14 years, is responsible for building the layouts with parts bought from model rail traders including C&G models, from Darlington, which had stalls at the show.

Don Smith, publicity officer for the club, said: "Everybody was very pleased and all liked what they saw."