Thousands of visitors flocked to the East Anglian Model Railway Exhibition at the weekend.
The event, which is organised by St Neots Model Railway Club, was held in Godmanchester for the last time on Saturday and Sunday, with some 2,500 guests passing through the doors.
According to the railway club, the Britten Arena at Wood Green Animal Shelter, where the exhibition is staged, is being demolished at the end of the year to make way for other charity facilities.
Jackie Kneeshaw, exhibition manager, said: “It is very sad to be losing this venue. We have not been able to find a suitable alternative venue so, unless something becomes available, this was the last East Anglian Model Railway Exhibition for the foreseeable future.”
Mrs Kneeshaw said the exhibition was a “great success” with visitors enjoying the layouts, traders and demonstrations.
She said: “St Neots Model Railway Club always aim to gather some of the very best exhibits from across the country in order to promote the hobby and show experienced enthusiasts and novices what can be achieved, how to do it and, who supplies the necessary products.
“Visitors also enjoyed an indoor electric ride-on railway, the 4” steam traction engine that provided rides outside and children could operate the layout Shabbey Road which featured Underground Ernie. Donations for the hire of kiddies stools and for programmes will go to the Woodlands Cancer Centre at Hinchingbrooke Hospital.”
The Spirit of Swindon in N gauge by Will Heath was awarded Best Layout on, as selected by Councillor Sarah Conboy, mayor of Godmanchester. She was accompanied by Councillor Dick Taplin, deputy mayor of Godmanchester.
Sixpenny Handley in OO gauge by James Handley was Highly Commended by the mayor.
Over the two days, visitors voted for what they perceived to be the Best Layout and Launceston Steam Railway, in 009 gauge by Richard Holder, was awarded the Brian Rawlings Shield.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here