A model railway exhibit which was destroyed by vandals has gone on display again after being restored thanks to an outpouring of donations.
Members of the Market Deeping Model Railway Club said a “life’s work” had been destroyed after youths trashed the £30,000 display at Stamford, Lincolnshire, in May.
A surge in crowdfunded donations, including £10,000 from singer and model railway enthusiast Sir Rod Stewart, allowed the club to raise more than £107,000 to go towards repairs.
Peter Davies, the club’s chairman, said he was “delighted” at the restoration of the display.
He said: “We had to rebuild from the platform up. As chairman of the club I am proud of all of the guys.”
Mr Davies said that it took 25 club members 1,000 hours of work to restore the models, with some of the originals having taken years to build.
Of Sir Rod’s “amazing and truly humbling” donation, Peter said: “Model railway exhibitions don’t get trashed.
“That sort of donation has enabled us to get back on track.”
He will meet the Maggie May singer – and now honorary club member – when they appear as guests on the BBC’s The One Show tomorrow.
Enjoy the convenience of having The Sunday Post delivered as a digital ePaper straight to your smartphone, tablet or computer.
Subscribe for only £5.49 a month and enjoy all the benefits of the printed paper as a digital replica.
Subscribe