Teddies of all shapes and sizes were treated to a day out by their young owners.

The stuffed toys were among 750 visitors to attend the Bredgar and Wormshill Light Railway open day.

As well as enjoying rides on the locomotives, the children were invited to take part in a treasure hunt, which saw them searching high and low for bears.

Prizes were presented to those who managed to find at least 10 of the 12 hidden within the grounds. There was also a competition for the best dressed teddy.

The railway is built in the back garden of Bill and Irene Best’s home.

It is not a restored line but was built from scratch as a labour of love when a group of 15 friends with a shared interest in light railways got together in 1975.

But instead of keeping it behind closed doors, the enthusiasts share their hobby with the
general public by holding open days.

The open days take place on Easter Sunday and the first Sunday of every month from May to October.

There is always a theme, and tractor rides are also available. Refreshments can be bought from the on-site cafe.

The car park opens at 10.30am, and trains run about every 12 minutes from 11am to
4.30pm.

The journeys are short but they provide a picturesque trip through Warren Wood Station, Bredgar, to Stony Shaw Station, Wormshill.

Mr Best, 83, said: “The Teddy Express open day was one of our best this year thanks to the weather.

“Children who brought their teddy with them on the day paid just £1 to enter, and there were some nicely dressed bears, which put some of the staff to shame.

“About a quarter of the people that visit us come three to four times a year. May of them are just looking for a nice family day out.”

Entry is £10 for adults and £4 for under-15s. Under-fours are free.

For more information, call 01622 884254 or email stopem@stopem.net. For directions visit www.bwlr.co.uk.