Aln Valley Miniature Railway is being extended with ambition to become the longest in the North East

The attraction, which stands beside Aln Valley Railway in Alnwick, is being upgraded thanks to a handful of volunteers.

The dedicated team behind the attraction are keen to have the railway at 700ft by the Easter weekend, so that families can visit during half term.

Following this phase, the team have plans to extend the railway further, with hopes of eventually becoming the biggest miniature railway in the North East.

Patrick Allen, who is working on the railway, said: “We’re really hoping to have this little phase open by Easter for the big first opening of the season.

"Alnwick is the perfect place for the attraction really. There is something about the town and Northumberland that is so pretty and charming that means the railway fits in so perfectly.

"We want to keep it as affordable as we can for families. It is nice that people can have a day out and not break the bank. If families want a coffee, a play and a ride on a train then we want to make it a fun day out that parents don’t have to worry about.”

Tickets to the attraction will continue to be sold at £3 per head for unlimited rides in one day.

The increasing popularity of the visitor attraction means that more help is needed. A volunteer recruitment fair is being held on Saturday, February 25 from 10.30am to 3pm.

To book tickets, visit: www.alnvalleyrailway.co.uk.