PUPILS from Bitham Brook Primary School in Westbury went full steam ahead on Friday (June 17) as they visited the miniature model railway at White Horse Country Park.

A total of 150 pupils from the primary school were shown the ropes by committee members of the West Wilts Society of Model Engineers and had a ride on the miniature trains.

Richard Walker, a member of the society, said: “This is both a chance for the children to have a bit of fun and for them to study transport and steam.

“Westbury has had some huge engine sheds over the years which they have bene able to learn about by coming down here.

“I think anything that brings kids into the fresh air these days is a good thing. It’s very important to learn outside of the classroom as well as inside it.

“Also, by seeing something in action, instead of just hearing a teacher talk about it, they’re far more likely to remember it and take it on board.

“Apart from telling the kids not to run numerous times, it has been very successful and they have all enjoyed it.”

The idea for the school’s visit came when deputy headmaster spoke to Mr Walker about the miniature track.

After being taught about the mechanisms of trains and where steam comes from, the pupils were taken on a lap of the five-metre wide, 200-metre long track, on small replicas of Great Western trains.

Year 3 teacher Jodie Davies said: “All the pupils seem to be having a great time and are learning lots which is good to see.

“Our local history topic at the moment in Year 3 is trains so this trip to the track worked our perfectly.

“The children will be doing a presentation of everything they have learned in the classroom in a few weeks and I think today’s visit will help all of their presentations.”

The West Wilts Society of Model Engineers will be taking a portable track to the Westbury Street Fair on Saturday, July 9.