A charity’s model railway club is chuffed at a big public response to an appeal for layout donations.

Centre 81, which runs a skills and activities centre for people with disabilities, made a plea for scenery, signals and miniature people for their layout.

Members have been making the railway during weekly sessions at the charity’s Tar Works Road base in Great Yarmouth, but hit the buffers when they ran out of materials.

Following the appeal, the Centre has been stunned to receive donated items worth an estimated £5,000 – along with cash gifts, including a surprise £100 from a user of the charity’s community transport service.

Ruth Forrester, 83, from Martham, who uses the Centre 81 buses three times a week to go to bingo, said: “I knew about the buses, which help me get out and about - but not the skills and activities at the centre.

“When I saw their appeal in the Press I decided to give them some money,” added Lancastrian Mrs Forrester who retired to Norfolk 10 years ago.

Assistant facilitator George Medler said the response had been phenomenal.

“One person brought in 200 pieces including buildings, locos and rolling stock. Another donated their father’s collection. Others brought in bin bags full of stuff – and it has been good quality,” he added.

“Ruth’s cash donation really blew us away. Club members will decide how to spend it,” said Mr Medler.

Pictured, from left. Ruth Forrester, Paul Williamson, George Medler, and Darren Hoare with the Centre 81 model railway layout and some of the donated items. Picture: TMS Media.