PASSENGERS travelling on The Coate Water Railway may not recognise where their train is taking them the next time they visit after volunteers officially opened a new half mile extension.

The railway welcomed modellers from around 20 other clubs to the official unveiling which saw chairman of the North Wilts Model Engineering Society Ken Parker give the green flag to trains to take in the new track.

“One of our visitors said it should have been measured in chains, not miles, so it works out at about 30 chains,” said Mr Parker. “We had clubs from all over the country come to join us, with some from as far afield as the Midlands.”

The official ribbon cutting by a Class 66 loco was followed by the cutting of the cake.

This weekend will mark the final Saturday running of services until the new year, although trains will continue to run every Sunday, except Christmas Day, from 11am until 5pm. With the extension now open, fares cost £2 per person per ride.

Mr Parker said: “We aim to continue improving the railway over the autumn and winter, ready for next season, with better landscaping and finally sorting out the signalling on the extension. Further pointwork will be completed to allow a variety of routes to be taken, giving variety for passengers and drivers alike. During this time the railway will continue to operate on Sundays.”