RAILWAY art and photography is on show at The Old Courthouse's gallery in Shap until September 1.

The exhibition, Steam over Shap, marks 175 years since the first sod was cut on Shap Fell in 1844 for the Lancaster and Carlisle railway.

Among the artists showing their work will be Alan Gunston, a volunteer with the Stainmore Railway Company at the partly restored Kirkby Stephen East station; and Nicholas Leigh, who uses oils to create 1930s-style travel posters, and is inspired by his love of the Cumbrian fells.

Also exhibiting are David French and Christine Pulham who, like Alan, developed a passion for railways in childhood.

Paintings by other artists are on loan to the Shap venue along with photography, hand-built models and railway artefacts.

To help mark the 175th anniversary, a model railway exhibition is being staged at Shap Memorial Hall on Sunday, August 18, with a range of layouts and stands to provide interest for adults and children.

Members of the Stephenson Locomotive Society are to present a talk on Monday, August 19, featuring images from the Margaret and Percy Duff collection.

Jean Scott-Smith is to lead a guided walk around railway sites of interest in Shap on Saturday, August 24.

The events will conclude with an evening of entertainment on Sunday, September 1, with readings, poetry and music from Bill Lloyd.

The coming of the railway had a huge impact on the people of Shap and Tebay, and Shap Summit - 916 feet above sea level - is one of the most renowned points on the mainland rail network.

Shap History Society has compiled an extensive railway archive which is on show at the Market Cross, featuring records, images, and recollections.

Places for all the special events are limited and should be pre-booked. See www.theoldcourthouse.org for details.