Coalville-based Rocket Railways is throwing its doors open to model railway fans of all ages next week with a special event in celebration of the much-loved hobby. 

The event - on Saturday, October 22 - promises a display of no fewer than six railway layouts, with lots of opportunities for younger enthusiasts to get involved hands-on.   

Exhibits will be spread across Rocket Railways' site on Belvoir Road and the Coalville Model Railway Club's headquarters, above Escape Coalville in the Belvoir Shopping Centre. 

Among the displays will be a layout provided by members of the Bingham Model Railway Club, and a large scale garden railway set up outside the Marlene Reid Centre. 

The newly-formed Coalville Model Railway Club will be on hand to show visitors the latest progress on their current project: a scale model of Coalville railway station in its heyday.   

In addition to the exhibitions, bargain hunters will have the unique opportunity to take home something special as Rocket Railways is granting privileged access to their store rooms for the day. 

With special offers on models in the shop, and a chance to receive free advice from experts, this is a great opportunity to get a head start on Christmas shopping.  

Admission costs just £2 per adult, with children under-16 free - provided they are accompanied by an adult. 

There is no need to book in advance, just turn up at Rocket Railways (address below) between 10am and 4pm. 

All proceeds from admission fees will be donated to Heath Farm, a facility in south Lincolnshire run by the National Autistic Society, which provides residential and day-care services for people with autistic spectrum disorders.  

Originally based in Grantham, Rocket Railways opened their Coalville shop in July, 2021. 

They are specialists in high quality used models, and keep more than 3,000 items in stock with prices suitable for all budgets.  

The family-run company takes delight in celebrating the town's rich industrial heritage, with the Snibston Colliery Park just a short walk from their shop on Belvoir Road. 

On the same day as the Rocket Railways event, the Snibston Heritage Trust will be leading guided tours of the colliery, which must be booked in advance HERE.. 

Managing Director, Jason Thickpenny, said: "It's going to be a few hours of fun for the family. 

"We will have at least six layouts on display, and the Coalville Model Railway Club will be in attendance to show visitors their progress on the scale model of Coalville station. 

"The main purpose of the open day is to show how fun the hobby is — you can even have a go yourself! 

"We hope we can raise a good amount for Heath Farm too. Model trains can be great for young people with autism, so we are pleased to use this event as an opportunity to raise some money for a worthy cause." 

• The Coalville Model Railway Open Day takes place on Saturday, 22 October 2022, from 10am until 4pm. Admission is by £2 donation on the door at Rocket Railways, 85 Belvoir Road, Coalville, LE67 3PH.