CHUFFED to bits - that was railway enthusiast Fred Last after he handed over £2,500 to help with the care of terminally ill people.

CHUFFED to bits - that was railway enthusiast Fred Last after he handed over £2,500 to help with the care of terminally ill people.

The money was raised from Mr Last's Kirton Light Railway, which runs around the garden of his home at Falkenham Road, Kirton.

This year's railway open day attracted record crowds as people of all ages enjoyed the rides on his steam and electric trains.

Mr Last said: “It was a super day and I could not believe how much we had raised.

“I knew it was a busy afternoon but it turned out to be a record breaker.

“A couple of times in the past the afternoon has raised about £1,700, but this year was just fantastic and the best we have ever done.”

He presented the money to the St Elizabeth Hospice in Ipswich to help with its running costs.

He said: “The work the hospice does is brilliant and I am pleased to be able to support it in this way.”

The railway day last weekend was so busy the village hall car park was full and there were queues the length of the garden waiting for rides.

In addition, there were also static displays of all aspects of engineering for people to enjoy, including a one-sixth scale model of a Sherman Tank Fred built himself.

The Station Buffet was also open with teas and coffees, and homemade cakes donated by people from the village.

Did you enjoy the day? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk