Bringing Preston’s rail heritage to life is the mission of an extension to the Heritage Railway Museum at Preston Docks.

The Ribble Steam Railway has landed lottery finding to create a new hands-on Railway Exploration Centre.

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Children can create ‘crazy trains’ and railway inspired musical instruments to a ‘Rail Tales’ story session with resident storyteller John Meredith.

The museum houses one of the largest collections of industrial locomotives in the UK and is run by volunteers.

Chairman of the Ribble Steam Railway Dave Watkins said: “The granting of this National Lottery funding means that Ribble Steam Railway can both deliver a much improved educational package and better access to everyone. We hope it will be a place for volunteers, community groups and placement students to come together to learn new skills and share their experiences now and in the future.”

Work is beginning on the new centre, costing £10,000, and it is due to open in summer this year.

Ribble Steam Railway educational adviser John Meredith said: “The Railway is a central part of our local history in Preston and something that we’re very proud of. It’s important that it continues to be relevant to the local community so that its legacy remains intact for future generations to enjoy.”

Read more: History of a ghost railway line running through Preston

You can find out more about the Ribble Steam Railway on their website.

Funding for the project has come from the Big Lottery Fund.

Have you ever been on the Ribble Steam Railway? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below