A POPULAR model railway exhibition is returning for its 60th edition.

Fourteen railway layouts will be in exhibition on January 27 and 28 at the Kendal Leisure Centre.

The display, organised by Kendal Model Railway Club, will mark the 60th event and the club's 61st anniversary.

A varied selection of layouts will be attending together with the supporting trades, societies and groups.

Chairman of the club, Dave Grimes explained that the event is recommended to the whole family, where people can observe layouts that have taken years to be built.

Mr Grimes said: "Model railways are a unique hobby. There is a lot of craft and skills needed.

"People can expect to be entertained with the layouts which are about exhibiting people's abilities and the time and effort they put into it - some of them are quite exceptional.

"A couple of guys in their 80s are bringing their layouts, and an eight-year-old girl is involved in one of the others."

Last year the show attracted more than 1,800 visitors. 

"If we get 1,800, we would be delighted. I'm not quite sure we would reach that number but it would be great if we do," said Mr Grimes.

For the first time, parking at the event is pay and display with tickets available from the Leisure Centre reception as the external pay machines are out of action.

On Saturday the event will open from 10am to 5pm and on Sunday from 10am until 4pm.

Adults' tickets cost £6.50, tickets for children between age 6 to 18 cost £2.50 and free entrance for under 6.

Kendal Model Railway Club has around 25 members from places such as Kendal, Penrith, Kirkby Stephen, Lancaster, Ulverston and Kirkby Lonsdale.

Starting in 1963, the club has had a number of homes over the years, including someone's cellar and a room in the Friends Meeting House.