Hundreds of pounds was raised for a trio of worthy causes through special miniature railway rides.

Eastern Daily Press: Councillor David Fullman, Lod Mayor of Norwich, at the Eaton Park Miniature Railway's first fundraising day. The day raised money for the Lord Mayor's charity Norwich Integration Partnership. Picture: SENT IN BY EATON PARK MINIATURE RAILWAYCouncillor David Fullman, Lod Mayor of Norwich, at the Eaton Park Miniature Railway's first fundraising day. The day raised money for the Lord Mayor's charity Norwich Integration Partnership. Picture: SENT IN BY EATON PARK MINIATURE RAILWAY (Image: SENT IN BY EATON PARK MINIATURE RAILWAY)

Families flocked to Norwich's Eaton Park Miniature Railway which held its first ever fundraising day for the Lord Mayor's charity - the Norwich Integration Partnership.

The Norwich Integration Partnership is made up of the separate charities New Routes, The Bridge Plus+ and English +

These organisations help refugees, asylum seekers, EU nationals and black and ethnic minority people become more integrated across Norfolk.

The fundraising day on Monday, August 28 raised £720 for the fund through ticket sales.

Eaton Park Miniature Railway, operated by Norwich and District Society of Model Engineers, ran two steam engines on the fundraising day for hundreds of park visitors.

Society chairman Barry Fane said: 'We are so pleased that the day was successful and that we had good weather. We have all had great fun running this day for the mayor's charity and I know park visitors enjoyed it too.'

Brian Baker, who came up with idea for the fundraising day, was 'delighted' with the amount raised on the day.

He said: 'A big thank you to everyone who came along for a ride.'

Dee Robinson, of New Routes, said: 'Norwich Integration Partnership is very grateful for the support of the Eaton Park Miniature Railway. Thank you all so much for deciding to raise money for our work. The families who came with us today had a great time on the trains and I'm sure they will all be back for more fun.'

The railway already holds a popular Children in Need Day each October and the Lord Mayor's Fund day is set to become a regular fixture.

Money raised by the 2017 Lord Mayor's Procession in Norwich - just over £4,325 - was donated to the Norwich Integration Partnership.

It was chosen because the theme for Norwich City Council in 2017/18 is 'Norwich is a welcoming city'.

Activities provided by the three charities include language classes, youth groups, women's support sessions, family summer holiday activities and visits.

Visit www.norwichintegrationpartnership.org.uk