The fifth annual Chippenham Model Railway Show will be held at Sheldon School Sports Hall on Saturday, September 27.

Regular rail travellers between Chippenham and Bath should recognise one of the layouts because it is based on Sydney Gardens on the approach to Bath.

The model has been built by a team of five people from Wiltshire who go by the name of the Park Keepers and it will be making only its second exhibition appearance. A total of 14 layouts will be on display at this year's exhibition, there will be 14 trade stands and several society and demonstration stands.

The exhibition is organised by Chippenham-based Bentley Model Railway Group which takes its name from the school in Calne where the group's founders met more than 40 years ago.

The group organises annual exhibitions in Chippenham, Calne and Melksham. Despite the fact that Chippenham is the largest of the three towns, the exhibitions in Calne and Melksham attract more people.

Rising costs, and the imminent closure of the Christie Miller Sports Centre in Melksham, means that the group is likely to reduce the number of shows it operates to just two a year.

Group treasurer Geoff Endacott said: "Organising model railway exhibitions is an expensive business. Last year our three shows cost a total of £20,000, mostly due to the travelling expenses and accommodation costs for the visiting layouts.

"That's a big risk to take as we have no guarantee that enough people will pay at the door to cover the costs.

"Organising three shows also involves a lot of work by unpaid organisers. If we have to drop one show, it is likely to be the one which presents the greatest financial risk.

"So the challenge to the people of Chippenham is to support us next weekend and make the case for keeping a model railway show in the town."

Admission costs £4.50 at the door with discounts available for children and family groups.

Further details can be found at www.chippenhammrs.org.uk or by telephoning exhibition manager Tim Williams on 01249 463365.