A NORTH-EAST museum is preparing for one of the most popular exhibitions in its calendar.

Displays at Beamish Open Air Museum, near Stanley, County Durham, at the weekend will be created by members of the North-East Meccano Society, with working sets dating from the early 1900s.

An 8ft Meccano model of the Eiffel Tower will be on display in the entrance, and there will be models of two Beamish trams, Sunderland 16 and Gateshead 10.

There will also be up-to-date exhibits, including working robotic models.

Devised in 1901 by Frank Hornby, who was also responsible for Hornby Dublo trains and Dinky toys, the metal constructional system is still in production today.

Published: 13/04/2004