NEWQUAY’S miniature railway has undergone a refurbishment ahead of the busy holiday season.

Little Western Railway at Trenance Road has had various improvements made over the winter period, which should keep the attraction on track for the next 50 years.

New sleepers made out of recycled plastic have been installed and the embankment has been widened.

Owner Richard Curtis said: “We’ve been busy changing our softwood sleepers over to 100 per cent recycled plastic sleepers.

“We believe we are the first commercial railway in Cornwall to make the change. Whilst they cost three times the amount of the traditional sleepers they last at least eight times longer.

“This is great for us, and it will cut the amount of time we spend on replacing the track and is better for the environment as we will reduce our carbon footprint.

“The track through platform two has been lengthened at the same time and the construction of a brand-new point made in house.

“The work to replace the track coincided with the widening of our embankment. The original masonry wall had cracks appearing, so it’s been replaced with a new wall.

“In total 65 tons of stone has been used to construct the 30-metre wall and with its completion it should see the railway in good shape for another 50 plus years.

“The work has been completed in time for the Easter holiday when the railway will reopen for April 5.”

The miniature railway is due to reopen on Saturday, April 5, which is three days before the refurbished Trenance Play Park is earmarked to be unveiled.

The nautical themed play park includes a new junior and toddler area, which includes a Pinta play ship, an integrated carousel, a swinging play zone with two toddler seats and two flat seats, a zipline, swings and a slide.