It was full steam ahead for a popular miniature railway as it officially reopened for the year.

Eastern Daily Press: Eaton Park Miniture Railway. John Peterson, chairman of Norwich and District Society of Model Engineers, unveils the new locomotive which was made by Mike Richards.Picture: ANTONY KELLYEaton Park Miniture Railway. John Peterson, chairman of Norwich and District Society of Model Engineers, unveils the new locomotive which was made by Mike Richards.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2016)

Yesterday afternoon, with mothers, fathers and grandparents in tow, children eagerly hopped on trains at the Eaton Park Miniature Railway for their first journeys of the season.

The railway, which is operated by the Norwich and District Society and Model Engineers (NDSME), will be heading out on the tracks today, weather permitting, and every Sunday until October 9.

John Peterson, chairman of the society, unveiled a new diesel-powered narrow gauge quarry locomotive before Mike Richards, who made the loco, then took its first passengers on its debut outing.

The railway will this year again support East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) nook appeal, which aims to build a £10m hospice for children with life-threatening illnesses, replacing its current outdated facility at Quidenham.

Eastern Daily Press: Eaton Park Miniture Railway. Picture: ANTONY KELLYEaton Park Miniture Railway. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2016)

A special day of fundraising in aid of the charity is planned for Monday, May 30.

Mr Peterson said: 'We are pleased to be supporting Quidenham again this year, in addition to our regular Children in Need day.

'All proceeds we raise go towards maintaining and improving the railway or are donated to local charities and good causes.'

Since it opened in 1960, miniature trains powered by hand-built steam, battery, petrol electric and petrol hydraulic locomotives have carried tens of thousands of passengers.

Eastern Daily Press: Eaton Park Miniture Railway. Mike Richards driving the new locomotive on its first outing. Mike also made the loco.Picture: ANTONY KELLYEaton Park Miniture Railway. Mike Richards driving the new locomotive on its first outing. Mike also made the loco.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2016)

There is now more than one kilometre of track, which, along with the station, has been built by volunteers and funded by the society, with the help of lottery money.

The railway will run from 1pm to 5pm, with fares costing £1 per person.

For more information visit www.ndsme.co.ukDo you know of a community project in Norwich we should be writing about? Email lauren.cope@archant.co.uk