More than £80,000 raised after vandals cause 'wanton destruction' to model railway exhibition

More than £80,000 has been raised for a model railway club after vandals destroyed years of work during a break in.

Rail enthusiasts from Market Deeping Model Railway Club were left devastated after stands and layouts were destroyed ahead of its annual show at the Welland Academy in Stamford near Peterborough.

The club said months of planning goes into the exhibition, adding some of the models on display were “irreplaceable”.

It had hoped to raise just £500 to help repair some of the damage caused, but thousands of donations mean it has far surpassed its original target.

Four youths, one aged 16 and three aged 15, were arrested at Welland School on suspicion of burglary and criminal damage. They've been released on police bail.

Meanwhile club members have another exhibition planned later this week and say they're determined not to let the vandals win.