THE West Wilts Society of Model Engineers is again to raise funds for charity with a series of events taking place this year in Westbury.

Members are preparing to start their new season of open days at their club site in the White Horse Country Park.

Any funds raised during the year will be used to support the Tetbury-based charity Hope For Tomorrow.

Society spokeswoman Michelle Richardson said: “Each month the site will open to everyone to come and visit.

“There will be train rides available on the five-inch track, and the garden railway layout will also be running live steam models to watch.

“There is plenty of free parking and refreshments are always available, we will also offer some additional attractions during the year.”

The season will start off with the Wessex Vintage Day on Sunday, April 14 from 10am to 4pmm when the Wessex Stationary Engine Club will be holding their annual spring meet, to raise money for Children’s Hospice South West.

The annual family day event will be on Sunday, June 2 with a Birds of Prey display and Frome model shop will also have some related items available to buy.

On Saturday, September 14, there will be the Wiltshire Model Steam Gala, with many attractions, including extra garden rail layouts to see, traders, local and heritage railway displays, stationary and traction engines of all sizes, and a full-size steam car.

The Society’s first Ghost Train will be running on Sunday, October 27. The season will finish with the much-loved Santa specials on Saturday, December 7.

All of the open days and events are being publicised on the Society’s Facebook page Wiltshire Model Steam Gala, and our club website http://www.wwsme.org.uk.