A VEHICLE restoration company based on a former wagon works site is holding an open day this weekend.

Rail Restorations North-East, in Shildon, County Durham, will open to the public on Saturday.

The company, which was established in 2006 by coach builder Dave Foxton, and rail enthusiast Dr Michael Wood, uses traditional methods to restore vehicles.

It moved to its present headquarters on the Hackworth Park Industrial Estate 18 months ago.

Work in progress includes creating a boiler for a G5 steam engine under restoration in Darlington, and building a chassis for a snow plough that helped rescue a locomotive stuck in Bleath Gill, near the Stainmore summit, in 1955.

Mr Foxton said: “People often ask what we do in here, so this is an opportunity for them to come in and see for themselves.”

Several carriages and a vintage car being restored at the unit will be on show on Saturday.

There will also be model railway exhibits, a trade stand, and a photographic exhibition.

Representatives from Locomotion: The National Railway Museum, Shildon, will also be present.

The event runs from 10am to 4pm. Entry is free, but people can make donations towards restoring a Norwood engine to steam. For details, visit wrlpg.com or call 01388-777138.