COLLECTORS from across the country travelled full steam ahead to Alresford for the annual Festival of Toy Trains.

The event, now in its 27th year, was held at Perins School, and saw a bumper attendance, with guests invited to look at the 25 toy train layouts.

One of the most popular was the Lego-layout, which also had a vast collection of bricks for people to play with. Hornby 0 Gauge and Dublo were well represented – a special 0 Gauge Schools locomotive that was repainted as ‘St Trinians’ had many admirers.

Playcraft Railways and Highways were celebrating 50 years since it stopped manufacture, and The Bowman group had a live steam model running. There was also a rare chance to see Hornby’s 3.5’’ gauge Stephenson’s Rocket.

Alresford and Cheriton Scouts organised the refreshments and the parking. Save the Children’s Alresford Branch manned the doors and both will receive sizeable donations for their help.