THE new operators of Poole Park's miniature railway have taken delivery of their first three carriages - with an engine arriving next week.

Community charity Friends of Poole Park (FPP) was recently awarded a 30-year lease to operate the attraction, which they hope to have up and running again by mid-July.

FPP chairman Michael Collins told the Daily Echo: "Everything is moving along quite nicely, we've taken delivery of three carriages and we have an engine on its way."

The Friends' long-term plans for the miniature railway, and surrounding area, are ambitious - with community projects, a 300 metre track extension, new visitor centre and separate station planned.

On the latest developments, Michel said: "We have an engine turning up next week. We got in contact with a miniature railway engineering company over in Hastings and asked for a few pointers.

"The gentleman down there specialises in projects - he gets old bits of kit in and rebuilds them to a really good spec.

"He said he'd got one in, it would be ideal for us but it is going to take a few months to finish. But we are obviously trying to get going for summer. Then he said, I'll tell you what I'll lend you one.

"As long as you are happy to buy this engine off me, he said, I will lend you another engine for the summer."

So the on loan engine should be delivered to Poole Park next week.

The FPP secured the three carriages, and the track, from existing Poole Park miniature rail operator Chris Bullen. But they're still looking for volunteers to help with the project

Michael said: "At our latest drop-in at the cricket pavilion about 20 people turned up, and we had some very generous offers of steam-themed paraphernalia.

"So things really are moving along nicely now."

Visit friendsofpoolpark.btck.co.uk for further details, or email friendsofpoolepark@gmail.com