It is full steam ahead for Sidmouth Museum as the attraction prepares to open for a new season of events.

Ann Tanner, from the museum, said the attraction’s aim is to bring more local people to see the exhibits over the coming year with a range of festivities. In August, to mark 50 years since the closure of Sidmouth railway, Kennaway House will host a 26ft-long replica model version of the old town train station.

Richard Harper, from Lemington Spa, put together the working construction and i will go on display for three days.

In the run-up to the event, residents are encouraged to send in photographs of their lives in the summers of 1959 and 1960.

Mrs Tanner said: “It’s absolutely amazing. I never realised how many people are interested in model railways - not just from Sidmouth, but from all around the area.”

In May, the museum will also host an exhibition with pictures dating back to the start of photography in the 1830s.

The museum’s new season is to open at the end of March.