HANDFORTH Model Engineering Society (HMES) has been given a £1,250 funding boost to build new carriage sheds for the miniature railway in Meriton Road Park.

It’s one of the donations made by Anwyl Homes from its ‘Love from Anwyl’ funding pot to help local not-for-profit organisations close to its development at The Fairways.

Ian Mackay, secretary of the HMES, said: "We’re thrilled to accept this grant from Anwyl Homes.

"We will now be able to move forward with the building of low-level carriage sheds.

"Erecting them will make getting our trains onto the track much easier for our older members.

"Most importantly we be able to run our unique carriage designed to carry wheelchair bound passenger and carers more frequently.

"With the aid of this grant from Anwyl Homes we will be able to provide better experience for all our passengers when visiting Meriton Road Park."

The miniature railway is managed by volunteers from the HMES, who rely on donations to keep the railway running.

It provides around 5,000 rides per year for residents.

Sales director for Anwyl Homes Graeme Gibb said: "It’s wonderful that this money will be used to help improve a much-loved Handforth attraction, that provides fun for local families and visitors to the area.

"We’re particularly pleased that we’ve been able to fund the new carriage sheds, which will help to make life easier for the volunteers who run the railway, as well as ensuring the accessible carriage can be used more regularly so those with mobility issues can enjoy this fantastic facility."

Work has begun on new carriage sheds, which will be located next to the pavilion in Meriton Road Park, and should be complete by spring next year.