RAIL enthusiasts are getting on track to buy an unusual piece of rail history in a silent auction next month.

Northern Rail has donated three North-East station signs to be auctioned off by Darlington Model Railway Club’s annual exhibition and show.

The signs, from Shildon, North Road, in Darlington, and Stockton stations, were recovered by the rail company when the stations were refurbished and will be sold with certificates of authenticity.

David Carnelly, of the model railway club, said it was difficult to know how much the signs would sell for.

“They are actual signs which were on the stations,” he said.

“You can’t get hold of them normally.

We have had them as a special dispensation from Northern Rail.”

He said they expected private buyers to be interested in the signs as well as clubs for rail enthusiasts.

“It is difficult to put a value on them because they don’t come up for auction normally. It’s hard to say how much will be worth in the future.

“Signs which came down 40 or 50 years ago are now worth £4,000 or £5,000.”

As well as the station signs, which will be sold in a sealed bid auction, other attractions for the event include model railway layouts from around the country, demonstrations and trade stands. Experts will be on hand to give advice on all aspects of railway modelling.

The exhibition will also include a railway tombola with more than £1,000 worth of prizes donated by model manufacturers, train operating companies and preserved railways.

Star prizes include: three model locomotives, including the Pete Waterman Collection Locomotive, which was donated by Hornby and is worth more than £125; family tickets for preserved railways and museums; and first-class rail tickets to London.

Hot and cold refreshments, including all-day breakfasts, will be available throughout the weekend.

The exhibition is on Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and 6, at Darlington College, in Haughton Road. Opening times are 10am to 5pm, on Saturday, and 10am to 4pm, on Sunday.

Admission is £4 for adults, concessions £3, and children £2. Family tickets are available.

Parking is free and the venue is wheelchair accessible.

Visit darlingtonmrc.co.uk for more details.