Paving slabs, kerbstones, old lampposts and wooden pallets removed from different areas of Peterborough as part of regeneration works have been used to help transform a city rail attraction and wildlife haven.

Peterborough City Council donated the unwanted materials to Railworld for it to re-use to help it expand and renovate the attraction in Oundle Road, Peterborough. Among the latest projects to be completed is a new mini Garden Railway complete with tunnels, buildings and gardens.

The council's contractor for its public realm works, Eurovia Contracting North, kindly transported all the materials to Railworld once the council had finished with them. Volunteers have been working hard over the winter to complete the transformation.

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Residents of all ages with an interest in railways are being urged to attend a special 'Garden Railway Extravaganza' in conjunction with the UK's Garden Railway specialists Glendale Junction this weekend, Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June 2014, from 11am to 4pm.

Cabinet Member for Environment Capital, Councillor Nigel North, Director of Growth and Regeneration, Simon Machen, and highway engineer Simon Mullins, will attend Railworld on Friday at 2.30pm to perform the official opening.

Brian Pearce, volunteer and chair of the board of Railworld Trustees, said: "Over the past 25 years volunteers have transformed the old Peterborough Power Station coal yard into a haven for wildlife.

"From an abandoned derelict area, volunteers, helped by companies, groups and individuals have created an ideal habitat for our wildlife, with a wide variety of plant life, ponds, streams and waterfalls.

"It's now an idyllic setting 500 metres from the city centre, home for our natural flora and fauna, and most importantly an intriguing exciting place for our youngsters to explore and learn about nature."

(CD/JP)