A RAIL attraction near St Newlyn East has celebrated the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway.

Lappa Valley organised various activities to mark the national railway 200 celebrations, which was attended by thousands of visitors.

The Railway 200 weekend saw months of preparation come to life, with standout moments including the ever-popular parallel running - engines racing side by side down the line along with rare formations that railway fans don’t often get the chance to see.

Families and enthusiasts alike enjoyed exhibits, visiting steam locomotives on the Lakeside Railway, and the miniature traction engine displays, all celebrating Lappa’s rich heritage.

The weekend featured every available locomotive on the 15″ gauge railway running in double and triple‑headed formations, parallel runs, non-stop and ‘top ’n’ tailed’ services. Meanwhile, the attraction’s two other railways also hosted visiting engines and running special services.

Engines included the 7.25″ steam locomotives Kilgarragh and Tazmin, Lappa Valley’s beloved steam fleet: Zebedee, Muffin, Ellie as well as diesel stars City of Derby, City of Truro and 10.25″ diesels Eric and The Duke.

Static exhibits included Arthur, Duke of Cornwall, Victoria, APT, HST, plus numerous miniature traction engines.

Operations manager Ben Harding said: “Myself and owners Keith and Sara were delighted with how the weekend went. It was a huge success, filled with excitement, nostalgia, and a wonderful sense of community.

“The highlight for many was the grand finale when we ran the longest train we’ve ever assembled at Lappa Valley—16 carriages pulled by six locomotives, smashing last year’s standing record. It was an incredible sight and a fitting tribute to the spirit of Railway 200.”

The Railway 200 campaign is a nationwide celebration marking 200 years since the birth of passenger railways in the UK, commemorating the groundbreaking moment when the Stockton & Darlington Railway first carried passengers in 1825.