Last updated 10:21, Wednesday, 15 October 2008

VISITORS to the popular Ravenglass and Eskdale Miniature Railway were treated to a Paddington Bear theme at the weekend.

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PADDINGTON BEAR ON RATTY: Twins Roxanne and Kayleigh Graham, nine, little sister Caine, two, and Nanna and Grandad, Audrey and Bill Graham, enjoying a trip on the Paddington Express up the beautiful Dalegarth Valley on Sunday.HOWARD SHIMMIN REF: 0453088

The main attractions were held at ‘Paddington Station’, Dalegarth, and included face-painting, a performance by magician Stu-Di-Doo and the chance to have a photograph taken with Paddington.

Oliver Woodward, two, from Barrow, went along with his pet dog, Henry, and his mum and dad, Diane and Ken.

Oliver, who loves trains, said the highlight of his day was being able to ride the Paddington Express engine with his friend Josh White, five, after being invited by the La’al Ratty general manager and train driver, Trevor Stockton.

Oliver said: “I was so excited.

“ I never thought I’d get to go on a real Paddington engine, it was magic.”

Hundreds of children were given a free Paddington flag and funny luggage labels to commemorate the weekend.

Train schedules were doubled for the weekend on the seven mile route from Ravenglass to Dalegarth, with the last train returning at 3.50pm.

Coming up later this year are the special Ghost Train outings, the Steam, Steak and Ale events and everyone’s favourite, the Santa Specials, which have now been running on the line for the past 25 years.

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