Families will get more opportunities to ride the Eaton Park miniature railway next year - after an unpopular decision which put the attraction off limits to the public once a month was reversed.

The Norwich and District Society of Model Engineers caused controversy in the summer, when its committee decided to close the track off on the last Sunday of each month - so enthusiasts who run the railway could enjoy it themselves.

However, there has now been a u-turn, which means the popular attraction will operate every Sunday during the 2017 season, which will run from Easter to early October.

A message on the Eaton Park miniature railway Facebook site stated: 'Good news for public running in the 2017 season.

'Our new reshaped club committee have overturned the unpopular decision made earlier this year which saw the last Sunday public running dropped from our operating days.

'We will now run every Sunday from Easter to early October again!

'Any members with smaller locomotives who cannot haul the heavy public trains or anyone who wishes to run freight wagons can do so in the morning and during public running. After all with half a mile of track there is room for all to enjoy!'

The news was welcomed by fans of the railway, which recently hosted its first Santa Specials.

Cathy Achenbach posted on Facebook: 'Wonderful news!! So glad a compromise could be found. We missed you this year as it was a bit complicated working out when you might be running and not wanting to disappoint small children! But we will be back next year - regularly!! Thank you!'

And Hayley Coppard said: 'Ah well done committee, that is great news!!

'We look forward to next year's running, Eaton Park trains has become rather a special place for us and we all value the work you all do!'