IN LOFTS up and down the country there are dusty old Scalextric sets that have long been forgotten.

But an event in Swindon has proved that the slotcar set can be as fun now as it was 40 years ago.

At the Oasis Leisure Centre yesterday hundreds of hardened enthusiasts crammed into the sports hall for the third Swindon Slotcar Swapmeet and Show.

Here, members of the slotcar scene mingled with fans to buy and sell track, components and the all-important cars, while younger devotees took the chance to have a go at racing friends and to take a spin on and, often off, the track.

In fact the Swapmeet, now the second most popular of its kind in the UK, showed that in the age of consoles, home computers and the Internet, slotcars are enjoying a resurgence.

While many of the dads searched the 47 merchandise stalls the younger fans darted straight towards the large track at the back of the hall, hosted by Swindon's Slot Car Club.

"It's hugely popular among young people especially," said Rob Lees, who was running the racing at the event and who runs the Swindon Slot Car Club.

"I've had about 200 people taking part today and I would say 80 per cent of them have been kids."

Ben Henshaw, 11, of Wootton Bassett, was there with his dad, Matt, a 40-year-old electricity meter reader.

"This is excellent," Ben said. "Scalextric is loads of fun because you get to control the car yourself which is brilliant."

When he heard about the event Mr Henshaw dug out the set he had when he was a boy and brought it along to sell.

"I offered it to one of the traders, but in the end a member of the public offered me double the money," he said.

"I loved Scalextric as a kid and it's nice for Ben to enjoy it too."

Nine-year-old Thomas Cahill, of Wootton Bassett, was also there with his dad.

"I think Scalextric is brilliant fun," he said.

"This event is good because you get to watch the races and take part and also you can do swaps with other people."

While a lot of slotcar events are aimed at enthusiasts the Swindon event was open to anyone - even those who had never picked up a plastic controller before.

"I've never been into Scalextric but I thought I'd come down and see what it was all about," said Peter Woods, 25, a jeweller, of Priory Vale.

"It's actually quite good fun and I've enjoyed myself. I think I would have a go again."

Eight-year-old Samuel Jenkins, of Eldene, is hoping his parents are going to buy him a new set after attending the event.

"My dad used to like it when he was my age but I usually like playing on my computer," he said. "But it's really good fun and I might get a set for my birthday."