by Nick Lillitos

Prince Michael of Kent 'played' with the biggest train set in his life when he visited Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Light Railway.

He even donned a boiler jacket to help drive one of its steam trains after arriving at Hythe Station on Wednesday.

Prince Michael sprung into action, first cutting a ribbon to launch its newly refurbished shop, followed by a tour of the store to peruse its products and souvenirs.

Then it was time for the Prince to get 'suited' in a railway boiler jacket before strolling off to view the platforms, tracks and the control hut with its many levers and buttons.

He then joined train driver Michael Jacques and after a short briefing on the controls took Royal command for the 30-minute run to New Romney Station, where they had refreshments after visiting a model exhibition there.

Prince Michael said: "It's a wonderful engine. This lovely thing is hard to find - such wonderful pieces of engineering that has been beautifully built and lovingly maintained."