James May joined the celebrations as model maker Hornby officially returned to Margate after nearly four years away.

The company moved its offices to Discovery Park in Sandwich in 2015 but is "coming home" to the town where it was based for nearly 60 years before the move.

Bosses were joined by Sir Roger Gale MP who cut the ribbon to reopen the firm's revamped offices and three new showrooms on Tuesday.

Mr May attended and celebrated with a few races on the latest Scalextric products. The former Top Gear presenter and Grand Tour host is passionate about models and toys presenting several series on the BBC about classic toys and hobbies including model trains, Airfix kits and Lego.

The Hornby Visitor Centre remained at the Ramsgate Road site during the changes but is now reuniting the company's staff and showcases for its products.

The company's distribution warehouse is still based at the Lakeside Business Park in Hersden, near Canterbury, following a move in 2014.

Gallery1

Simon Kohler, who has been with the firm since 1978, says it was an emotional day as the company came home.

He said: "It's the heart and soul of Hornby - being there since the early 1950s it's engrained into the DNA of the area and the brand itself.

"It's part of Thanet and everyone going between Ramsgate and Margate and Margate and Ramsgate see it there.

"It means a huge amount to be there and back where it should be.

"James May has been involved with Hornby for many years and is enthusiastic about model railways. That's how important it is to the people at Hornby and externally."

He added speeches given by Sir Roger and Lyndon Davies, the company's chief executive, were emotional as it meant "a huge amount to a lot of people".

Hornby shares the site in Margate with Locomotive Storage Ltd, which has transformed its warehouse to store locomotives and rolling stock.

The main warehouse underwent extensive engineering works last year to prepare for their arrival.

Seven railway tracks were laid, with access loading docks to facilitate the unloading and loading of locomotives and carriages.

Currently in storage in the huge hall is A4 Pacific class locomotive Bittern - the sister engine to world-record holding steam engine, Mallard - a Black 5 locomotive and a Collett First Class coach.

Bittern was the first loco on display in the room, which is capable of holding up to 30 items of rolling stock.