A vintage model train group which has been running in Cumbria for 25 years will mark its anniversary with a special weekend event in July.

The Hornby Railway Collectors Association boasts around 2500 members worldwide, with the Border Counties Group meeting every two months in Carlisle and Haydon Bridge. 

However, in a first for its community, the group has planned a special weekend event on July 6 and 7, from 10am at the Blindcrake Village Hall, near Cockermouth. 

Organiser Rod Moore said: "Our trains are the ones we used to set up on the floor on a wet Sunday afternoon and played with until told to pack away by parents tired of stepping over them.

"Most of our trains were made from 1920s to the 1960s when locos, coaches, wagons and track were made of tinplate although zinc castings and, later still, plastic was also used. Most will have been made by Hornby, but layouts and trains from other manufacturers such as Basset Lowke, Chad Valley, Trix Twin, Mettoy and Triang will also be on display.

"You will be able to drive trains on three layouts as well as operating 1950’s Marklin cranes and a Hornby Dublo coal tippler. Have a go at winding up a clockwork loco or help Ernie by driving a train on his International Underground layout.

"If you have old trains bring them to run and if they don’t work, we may be able to fix. You would also be made most welcome if you want to join the HRCA. So come and reminisce, bring the children and grandkids to show them what you used to play with before TV, computer games and the internet took over."

"Come and join in while having a cuppa as light refreshments will be available, and your entrance fee goes to help with the upkeep of the Village Hall."

The event runs from 10am until 5pm on the Saturday, and 10am until 4pm on the Sunday. 

Tickets cost £4 for adults or £1 for kids, with money going towards the village hall.

For more information contact Rod Moore at moorerod42@gmail.com.