It was smiles all round during the Ashmanhaugh Light Railway open day which attracted children, parents and grandchildren.

More than 200 people enjoyed the family day out this afternoon, which was part of the Broads Outdoors Festival.

Five mini trains, which ran off electricity, petrol and steam, were in action on the small gauge railway which runs along five circuits on a mile and a half of land owned by Jane and John Pond.

The light railway started off as a hobby for Mr Pond and was built in what were fields behind his East View Farm home but 11 years ago it opened to the public and has become increasingly popular since then.

A group of 17 volunteers mend the trains, which travel between two and five miles per hour.

Mrs Pond said children loved the simple pleasures of riding the trains.

Speaking about the festival she said: 'It is a great idea. I hope it will grow and grow. It is not only good for visitors but there are so many people who live here and don't know what the Broads has to offer. It is so unspoilt.'

John Newstead, 49, from Thorpe St Andrew, who was visiting with his wife and 10-year-old son said: 'We come here every year. It is a quintessentially English and it is unique. It is nice for a family day out.'

Candy Cooper, 62, from Hemsby. was at the event with her two grandchildren.

She said: 'It is the first time I have been here and it is really child friendly.'

Natasha Williams, 32, from Smallburgh near Stalham, was with her 11-month-old girl, mother and two nephews and had not visited the attraction before today.

She said: 'It is not very commercialised and everyone is nice and friendly. It is a reasonable price too.'

The Ashmanhaugh Light Railway will be open on May 5, June 2, July 7, August 4, September 1 and October 6 between 2pm and 5pm each day. Visit www.ashmanhaughlightrailway.co.uk for more information.

It will be opening on May 19 between 2pm and 5pm to raise money for the Leonard Cheshire home for the disabled at East Carleton, which it has supported for many years.

For more information about the Broads Outdoors Festival which runs until May 19 visit www.outdoorsfestival.co.uk.

Read tomorrow's EDP for more reports on Broads Outdoors Festival events this weekend.