A MINIATURE railway has hailed its trial running weekend a success after a lengthy refurbishment.

Luscombe Valley Railway at Sandbanks has seen four years of rebuilding its five inch gauge system.

While "torrential rain and high winds" left the Sunday a washout, said volunteer Graham Scrivens, the Saturday saw fine weather and a temporary train control system work as intended.

"At one point four trains were running on the system at the same time and riders were impressed with the smooth ride," said Mr Scrivens.

No charge was made to enter the site, ride on the trains or visit the indoor 00 gauge layout.

A voluntary collection was made in aid of SPRING, part of Poole Hospital charity, supporting parents and relatives through baby loss, and railway owner Richard Knott presented a cheque for £500 to the charity's fundraising administrator Janine Golding.

Visit luscombevalleysteam.com