Hidden away in St Neots is an award-winning tourist attraction that is busier than ever in the summer months.

The Riverside Miniature Railway can be found in Riverside Park in St Neots, and is home to a group of dedicated volunteers who are determined to make the attraction as inclusive as possible.

Founded by Ivan Hewlett in 2016, the Riverside Miniature Railway is now the only one of its kind in the country to have received a Green Flag Award. In the space of eight years, Ivan and his team turned the former pitch and putt site into a railway ride that they built themselves.

Ste Greenall, a host at Black Cat Radio, was all smiles on the train.Ste Greenall, a host at Black Cat Radio, was all smiles on the train. (Image: Newsquest)

Pete Moss, a volunteer at the Riverside Miniature Railway, told The Hunts Post all about the work they've put into the railway behind the scenes. He said: "The buildings we store the trains in are converted shipping containers.

"We lay the tracks ourselves, operate the trains, keep the area tidy and make sure everything is running smoothly."

Pete also showed us one of the trains the team operates which is named after David Gosling, the man behind the design of Riverside Park.

One of the trains is named after David Gosling, who designed Riverside Park.One of the trains is named after David Gosling, who designed Riverside Park. (Image: Newsquest)

Alan Gentle, another volunteer at the Railway, explained that a second phase of the much-loved railway is set to open but there's still some work to go. Soon, a new figure of eight track design will be open for the public to enjoy.

A love for locomotives runs deep at Riverside Miniature Railway, and nine-year-old Henry Allen proves just that. 

Henry is a junior volunteer and member at the Railway. He said: "I came here once and told them that I would love to volunteer here. I love it when I get to drive and put the animals out on the side of the track for other children to spot on their train journey. 

"This place is my life. I want to be a steam train driver when I grow up. My dream is to drive The Flying Scotsman.

Henry said his message to children his age who want to try their hand at locomotion is, "You can come here and volunteer, and it's so fun."

One thing that Henry, Pete and Alan all said was that the Riverside Miniature Railway is extremely inclusive. 

The team's latest project is a disability-friendly carriage, called "Access-i-Belle", which can fit a wheelchair inside. 

The new 'Access-i-Belle' carriage at the railway.The new 'Access-i-Belle' carriage at the railway. (Image: Newsquest)

Liz Owen also volunteers at Riverside Miniature Railway. She is a wheelchair user and is the woman behind Access in St Neots, an organisation which highlights disability access in and around the town.

Liz credited the Riverside Miniature Railway as being a space for everyone, and she, as well as all of the other volunteers, are keen to get more people signing up to help out and take part.