HUNDREDS of children and their parents enjoyed a ride on a steam engine at Darlington Railway Centre and Museum at the weekend.

The Peckett locomotive chugged along between 11am and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday at the museum, in North Road and will be offering rides between the same times today.

A face painter will also be at the museum for young visitors.

John Wilks, the museum's acting heritage manager, said: "The children love the face painting and the train rides. The steam engine just brings the museum to life, with its wonderful sounds and smells."

The rides are included in the museum's admission fee, which is £2.50 for adults and £1.50 for children.