A FUN day for families will be full steam ahead at the weekend.

On Saturday and Sunday there will be a charity weekend at the miniature railway in Coate Water to raise funds for Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

The event will run from 11am until 5pm and has been organised by the North Wiltshire model engineering society.

Ken Parker, publicity officer for the society, said: “The miniature railway is one of Swindon’s hidden gems and it is surprising how many people don’t know about it.

“Rides on the miniature railway are £1 per person. All the money we make this weekend will be donated to Wiltshire Air Ambulance.”

Wiltshire Air Ambulance flies 365 days a year and needs to raise thousands of pounds every year to keep running.

A spokesman for the charity said: “We do not receive Government funding but totally rely on the generosity of people living in Wiltshire, local businesses and from the support of those who have directly come into contact with Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

“We work with Wiltshire Police. This partnership is in place until 2014. We sincerely hope the partnership continues but if the agreement is not renewed due to cuts in police funding, Wiltshire Air Ambulance will need to find funding in excess of £2m a year to stay in the air. Your support is needed more than ever.”

To volunteer for Wiltshire Air Ambulance or to donate visit www.wiltshireairambulance.co.uk or phone 01380 739453.