HUNDREDS of model railway fans visited an annual exhibition at the weekend.

About 1,500 people went to Darlington College of Technology to see the annual Darlington Model Railway Club exhibits.

There were 13 layouts, as well as a range of models, from N gauge to O gauge.

One exhibitor encouraged children to wind the O gauge models up and have a go.

Club secretary Phil Ashlee said the layouts depicted scenes from around the country, Europe and the US, including steam sheds and narrow gauge railways.

He said: "There is a wonderful layout called Walker Falls, based on the New England area, by Thistle Model Makers' Society, in Edinburgh.

"It is computer guided and there is a camera fitted to the locomotives to show you how it looks riding round the track.

"The attention to detail is amazing. If you look through the windows of the hotel there are the bed covers folded down, there is someone rocking on a chair, as well as sound effects and working steam."

He said the exhibits were of a slightly higher standard than usual.

He said: "We are improving all the time. We have had a great response from the public, it has been fantastic, especially for the children to be able to take part."