The first model railway exhibition in Chippenham for more than four years has been hailed a great success.

More than 600 people admired the 16 working layouts, organised by Bentley Model Railway Group featured at Sheldon School sports hall on Saturday.

Exhibition manager John Turner said: “We were all really pleased with the turnout.Everyone commented on the high standard of the exhibits, and the feedback overall was really positive.”

A highlight was a model of Black Dog Halt on the Chippenham to Calne branch line. Black Dog Halt was originally built as a private station to serve Bowood estate.

Mr Turner added: “It is hard to choose a favourite, but the children really liked one of the tiny layouts. They were fascinated at how small the trains were.”

It was the first time the club has held an exhibition in Chippenham since its Trainwest event moved to Melksham in 2006, and members felt they owed it to the public to make a return.

“We took the show to Melksham because costs were getting too high,” said Mr Turner. “But we were keen to come back to Chippenham and we would like to establish a base for shows here.”