LAUGHTER and fun filled the park as families celebrated the 25th birthday of Halton Miniature Railway.

Steam enthusiasts joined volunteers to mark the historic occasion with a two day festival in Runcorn's Town Park.

Face painters and a unicyclist kept youngsters amused whilst railway boffins shared stories and admired engines.

Organisers had to pull out all the stops to get everything ready on time after arsonists set fire to two engines several months ago.

Keeping the trains on track has always been the main aim of chairman John Doyle and his team of helpers.

They hope to provide children with many more years of pleasure riding round the park.