A model train group has celebrated 60 years of its miniature railway in Riverside Park.

The Southampton Society of Model Engineers held a Steam Gala event on Sunday, September 10, inviting the public to their track in Riverside Park, Bitterne.

Despite the terrible weather in the morning, the group's spirits remained high and organisers said the event was 'well supported by its members and the public'.

A member of the society, Roger Lunn, told the Echo it had been a huge success.

He said: “The rain was bad in the morning, but it cleared in the afternoon and it turned out to be better than we first planned.

“This time we only had steam trains and all the public loved it and got involved – even the younger ones.”

The society was originally established in 1912 as the Power Boat Club, but it wasn’t until the 1960’s that they received permission from the council to build a miniature railway track.

Since then, they have gained more than 100 members, with Roger admitting that it is good see lots of younger people getting involved with something so historic.

He said: “There are lots of younger members now, some that are under 18, and it is really good to see because they all had a good ride around and it was a good day.

“I think all the members are proud that the club has been able to bring new members into the hobby over the years and continue the society.

“This is without forgetting the social aspect as some of the older members have lost loved ones and the club gives them the opportunity to socialise.”

The miniature railway runs on Sundays at Riverside Park and details can be found on the Clubs’s Facebook page or their website www.southamptonsme.org/rpmr.