IT'S full steam ahead for a group of model railway enthusiasts who have scooped an award on their first outing.

Members of Accrington-based Shed 24A won two first prizes and claimed three runners-up places at the well attended Fleetwood Model Railway Exhibition.

The group, which takes its name from the old railway shed once in Charter Street, Accrington, won top prizes for best club layout and best layout voted for by other exhibitors. Judges were impressed by their 36ft by 14ft layout, based on the former Marsden Railway Station on the Huddersfield to Manchester line.

Darrell Simmonds, who helped set up the group just over 12 months ago, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have won these awards at our very first exhibition. We were up against some very stiff competition and to be honest we did not think we would win anything. And to have been voted best layout by fellow exhibitors was a great honour."

The group is still looking to recruit more model railway enthusiasts and anyone interest should contact Darrell on Accrington 231859.

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