CROWDS gathered at Poole Park today to watch the first outing of the newly refurbished Miniature Railway.

It was the first time a packed train had travelled around the track at the park in nearly nine months.

The Friends of Poole Park (FPP), who recently won the tender from Borough of Poole (BOP) to operate the train for the next 30 years, held a 'grand opening' ceremony this morning to unveil the refurbished station shed, train and track.

Volunteers have been working round the clock to get it ready for the summer holidays.

Speaking at the event FPP chairman Michael Collins said it was wonderful to see so many generations of families turn up to support the railway.

"The miniature railway is something that is very important to this town," he added.

"We have worked around the clock to get up and running for the summer holidays and it's wonderful to see so many people here supporting us today.

"A small local charity has managed to get itself together when faced with a challenge which saw a very iconic and important part of our history was under threat.

"I need to say a really big thank you to all the volunteers who appeared out of no where - not just from the Poole community but also the miniature railway community."

Mr Collins in particular thanked Hastings Miniature Railway, which donated the train carriage Princess Swee'Pea.

It is on loan from the company while it renovates FPP's permanent engine.

Today marked the first time train operated on the mini railway since last year, following a carriage derailment and subsequent health and safety issues.

Following the official opening members of the public were given free rides for the first hour. However, the train was down to just two carriages this morning after three carriages derailed during a practice run before the opening ceremony.

Poole Park Railway opened in 1949 and was built by George Vimpany. His widow Beryl, 91, helped to officially reopen the railway alongside Mayor of Poole Lindsay Wilson.

Beryl was also presented with a plaque in honour of her husband George, which will eventually be attached to the station.

She said it was "wonderful" to see the railway reopened.