Coalville-based Rocket Railways will open its new model railway shop later this month.

The shop will open five days a week, Tuesday to Saturday, offering a large range of new and used items, including familiar brands such as Hornby and Bachmann.

It will be based at the Marlene Reid Centre, Belvoir Road, and opens on Saturday, July 31 with an official opening to the public at 9.30am.

Visitors will be able to view demonstration railway layouts in operation, including a garden railway in the car park.

It is a family-friendly event, with Sir Topham Hatt, aka "The Fat Controller", in attendance.

There is no need to book a ticket - you can just turn up.

Rocket Railways started out in Grantham in October 2019, and was named 'Employer of the Year' in the 2020 Grantham Journal Business Awards.

The business moved to Coalville in the winter of 2020/21, attracted by the town's rich industrial heritage and opportunities for expansion.

Hobbies such as railway modelling have enjoyed a resurgence during the pandemic as many people have been spending more time at home.

Rocket Railways says it has has benefitted from a growing demand for high quality second hand items, and processes hundreds of trains through mail order each week.

Its customer base is broad, serving modellers of all ages across Britain, as well as a growing international following.

The new shop will open just in time to provide families with everything they need for a fun summer holiday project.

Established with the aim of providing family-friendly model railways at affordable prices, Rocket Railways is now a leader in second hand models and accessories.

The company abides by an ethos of accessibility and fun, appealing to newcomers and veteran enthusiasts alike.

Looking ahead, Managing Director Jason Thickpenny has big aspirations for these little trains.

Rocket Railways is sponsoring The Model Railway Show, which takes place at the Marlene Reid Centre over the weekend of 18-19 September.

The event will showcase many of the finest model railway layouts from across the midlands, as well as trade stands, advice and repairs, and even a railway-themed escape room.

Tickets for the September show are on sale HERE

Managing Director, Jason Thickpenny said: "I can't wait to open our new shop - after many months of searching for the right venue, the Marlene Reid Centre is the perfect location for us.

"Located next to the historic Snibston Colliery, I hope our shop will attract people from miles around.

"This will not be like your normal model shop, where everything is behind glass.

"Here everything is out, everything is visible, and you can put together your own train and test it on our in-house layout before committing to buy - you can't get that on Amazon!"