Mini railway in Bognor Regis now caters for disabled passengers as well

A new carriage has been installed on the miniature railway to enable everyone to enjoy the ten-minute journey through the scenic oasis in the town centre.

First paying passengers to take advantage were Steve and Natascha Bass with their sons, Ben (4) and Cameron (2).

Cameron has autism and could enjoy the trip in his special pushchair. His dad, Steve (41), said: "It's a good idea to have a carriage like this. It's allowed us to get on the train with Cameron's chair. We could possibly have done it otherwise, but it would have been a lot more difficult."

The family from West Ham, East London, enjoyed their relaxed journey around the park. "It's the first time I've been here. It's a lovely ride. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as we did," added Mr Bass.

The carriage cost some 8,500 and was delivered by its Ross-on-Wye manufacturer just before the railway's operators, Chris and Lis Lawrence, celebrated their first anniversary in the park earlier this month (May).

Mrs Lawrence said the carriage was inspired by a quadriplegic boy named Ryan.

Aged about ten, he was unable to go on the train last year because of his disability. This alerted her and her husband to the need to accommodate everyone on the train.

"Ryan could not understand why he couldn't go on the train and we want as many people as possible to enjoy the ride," she said.

The past year had been a success. Some 11,250 adults and just under 11,000 children had been carried by Bob the engine.

"It has gone surprisingly well, considering the bad weather we had last year," Mrs Lawrence explained.

The railway will be extended in the park once the renovation is completed with a figure of eight layout in the newly-opened section. It is also hoped to have a steam engine soon pulling the carriages.

n The wheelchair-friendly carriage will be named after Ryan, believed to be a pupil at a Chichester special school, if his parents contact Mr and Mrs Lawrence in the park.

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