THE group responsible for running Keighley's miniature railway attraction at Marley wants to welcome more passengers to its own base while continuing to stage demonstrations further afield.

Keighley and District Model Engineering Society (KDMES) recently opened new toilets at its site during an open day.

Society spokesman Dave Aston said: "Over the winter we also purchased some passenger trucks.

"As they are bigger and heavier than the old ones, a new container for storage was purchased and a connecting length of track has been made so the trucks can just be pushed out on to the railway line for use. Much easier than all the heavy lifting.

"We have taken our portable track to various events. Starting with four days at the model engineering show in Doncaster, then Riddlesden, Harden, Silsden and East Morton all in quick succession.

"We often get requests at quite short notice, but really need bookings to be made months ahead so that enough people can be available.

"At our last open day we had two visiting engines. This meant that there were four real steam engines present and with the electric locos as well, all the tracks of the steam up bay were in use.

"The next public running day at Marley playing fields will be the afternoon of Sunday August 21.

"At the beginning of September we will be open at the same time as the Keighley Show on September 3.

"This event is always very popular and I'm sure the adults appreciate a cup of tea from the club house while everyone enjoys the train rides.

"Then there is the regular Sunday afternoon running on September 18 and October 16, before the annual bonfire night running in the dark on November 5.

"We look forward to taking passengers round our track, as it's much more fun driving the engines with people on the trucks behind."

Visit kdmes.org.uk for more details.