More than 40 exhibitors have already been confirmed for the Hartlepool Model Rail exhibition, which this year moves to the Wynyard Rooms, at Wynyard, on the outskirts of town.

Delighted organisers say the interest in the Hartlepool event is growing fast and it's coming from all over the country.

Traders, model railway enthusiasts and rail societies will be at the event, which runs from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, July 26, and from 10am to 4pm on Sunday, July 27.

And the future of the show is so bright, it has already been booked in at the Wynyard venue for the next two years as well.

Malcolm Priestman is the organiser of the event, which proved a huge success when it was held at Manor College of Technology last year, with the backing of organisations including the Mail.

The Mail will once again be giving its support for the 2008 event. Watch out over the coming months for a competition with attractive prizes.

In the meantime, Mr Priestman has described how interest in the Wynyard event has spread far and wide.

"There are 17 traders including old favourites from Morpeth and Leeds," he said.

"Among the many new traders are a company making model trees, another specialising in model trains and fantasy games."

Thirty train layouts will be on show including scenes depicting rural France and one from the USA.

The exhibition was first held in its current format three years ago. Mr Priestman said: "I had to ask people to come to Hartlepool. They took a lot of persuading.

"Now people approach me asking if they can come to Hartlepool."

Two charities will benefit from the proceeds of this year's event, the RNLI and the Great North Air Ambulance. Admission charges to the Wynyard Rooms are £4 for adults, £2.50 for children and concessions, and £11 for a family ticket of two adults and two children.

Anyone wanting more details can contact Mr Priestman on (01429) 871952.