MODEL railway enthusiasts gathered at the weekend to support a project to rebuild a locomotive.

Modelling clubs from across the region took part in a two-day exhibition in Spennymoor Town Hall, County Durham.

The event was hosted by Weardale Railway Locomotive Preservation Group to raise money towards the restoration of its Forties steam engine, Norwood.

The group, which renovates historic stock to use on the Weardale Railway, in County Durham, and other heritage lines, bought the engine 18 months ago. The Robert Stephenson Hawthorn 0-6-0 saddle tanker had operated from Norwood coke-works in Dunston, Gateshead.

It remained in use until the late Seventies, making it the last working steam engine in the North-East before it went to the Bowes Railway heritage line, in Gateshead.

In 2003, Norwood moved to the Weardale Locomotive Preservation Group on loan before the group bought it in summer 2005.

Members now need to raise £126,000 to restore the engine.

Chairman Dave Foxton said: "We always wanted our own working steam engine, now we have to find the money to restore it.

"Part of the overhaul will be to adapt it to pull passenger trains and we hope that Norwood can one day run on Weardale Railway and go to other railways.

"We have got one grant and are applying for others, but events like this are important.

"Some of the money will be used to get new brass name and makers plates, but it is also about raising awareness of the project.

"Enthusiasts here might help us get our hands on parts we need and as word spreads the support grows."

The weekend exhibition, sponsored by Rail Restoration North-East, featured 12 working layouts and seven trade stands.

Layouts ranged from a 32ft imaginary Woodhouse line, created by the Grand Model Railway Club, based in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, to a Thomas the Tank Engine exhibit by three-year-old Elleanor Foxton.

Mr Foxton said: "The exhibition was well supported by exhibitor, traders and visitors - there was something for all the family."