Model train enthusiasts arrived in their hundreds for the 39th annual Warminster Model Railway Exhibition on Saturday.

The exhibition, staged by the Warminster and District Model Railway Club at Warminster Sports Centre, featured model train layouts, trade stalls, live steam engines and a host of other displays for visitors to admire.

Club chairman Eric Walford, a professional model engine builder, formed the club 39 years ago and has been organising the annual gathering ever since.

The event, which has previously raised more than £15,000 for charities, collected another £500 this year to be split equally between Save the Children, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Blue Cross Animal Homes and The Donkey Sanctuary.

Mr Walford said: “It was another really good show and even though the bad weather meant our attendance figures were slightly down on last year, we still had a great turnout.

“Most of our exhibitors are professionals or top amateurs and I always make sure the standard of the displays is high as people who come along expect the highest standard.

“We are certainly one of the biggest shows in Wiltshire and this year we had visitors travel all the way from south Wales, as well as a couple of people from Somerset, which was surprising considering some of the problems they have been having lately.

“Those I spoke to said they had a really good time and I’m grateful to everyone who turned up and helped us raise around £500 for four worthy charities.”

The club has already booked the sports centre for its annual exhibition next year, which will be held on February 21.

For information about the Warminster and District Model Railway Club, contact Mr Walford on 01985 213458.