BUDDING train drivers can now buy a house on sale in the region that has a miniature railway in the garden.

Strutt and Parker estate agents is selling the house which includes a five gauge railway for offers in excess of £725,000.

Located at Wycke Lodge in Littlethorpe, near Ripon, North Yorkshire, the five bedroomed house belongs to Polly Sladen.

Her unusual railway circles the garden carrying four children and two adults and has two engine sheds.

Her sons, Sam, 12, and Tom, nine, and family friends have also enjoyed rides.

Miss Sladen almost ripped up the track four years ago but she is now keen for Thomas the Tank Engine fans to put in bids.

She said: "I was a bit surprised when I first saw it.

"When we moved in I was not sure that I wanted it but the kids wanted to keep it and to get a train, and I’m glad I did."

The Wycke Lodge railway was built by rail fan and former house owner Leon Smallwood and it covers around half an acre.

A battery operated train, built by Miss Sladen’s father Malcolm at a cost of £1,500, runs along the track.

Philippa Faith, a partner at Strutt and Parker, said: "We have had a lost of interest in the house but no firm bids yet.

"It is very unusual to have a train like this, and it’s a good selling point."