THE FIGURE one of the locomotives at this year's Lydney model railway show shared more than a passing resemblance to one of the exhibitors.

In fact the figure in overalls sat at the controls of Evelyn was modelled on Ben Kirkwood of Littledean.

The engine was part of a 15-inch scale railway built by Ben's dad Jez which recreates a line that would have served a large country estate in the early 20th century.

Ben said: "I really enjoy working with this size of model. They have manual controls on the locos.

"The figure is based on me – the figures are made by Rob Bennett (from Shropshire) and they look really good."

The annual show is organised by the Forest of Dean Model Railway who also welcomed members of other clubs from south Wales, the west of England and the Midlands.

Among the layouts was one created by members of the recently-formed junior section of the Forest club.

A club spokesman said: "We anticipate that we will have had about 450 visitors over the weekend.

"Some of the exhibitors have been here previously and we have had some new exhibitors."

As well as railway layouts there were also bus and military modellers.

The club meets on Monday evenings at the Drybrook United Reform Church.