EXPLORER Scout Richard Davis, 16, got a close-up view of The Countess yesterday at Kidlington Scouts' annual model railway exhibition.

The show, in its 30th year, was held at the village's Exeter Hall and attracted about 800 visitors to see five layouts.

Richard, who attends Gosford Hill School in Kidlington, said: “It was a bit quieter than it has been, it's normally very popular.

“It's a great show for people who are interested in railways – my grandad is quite a fan, so it's a family thing.”

The model of The Countess was displayed by the Association of 16mm Narrow Gauge Modellers’ Abingdon Group.

The full-size narrow-gauge locomotive runs on the Welshpool & Llanfair Railway in Mid Wales.

Proceeds from the show will go the the Scout group.