VISITORS peered at tiny trains and quaint thatched cottages at a modelling museum.

Pendon Museum near Didcot opened for the first time on Saturday after its annual six-week winter break.

The volunteer-run attraction in Long Wittenham welcomed families who learnt more about life in the district decades ago.

Museum spokesman Paul Thompson, pictured, said: “It’s so much more than model railways, it’s about life in the Vale of White Horse in the 1920s and 1930s - a bit of social history. It’s there to capture rural life.

“Our people make models in tremendous and intricate detail, all to scale, to recreate life back then. It’s fascinating for people of all ages, and you don’t have to be a train spotter or modeller.”

He said the models are made using a variety of materials and techniques, including a type of hemp for the thatched roof and even 3D printers, and are then delicately painted.

He added: “We had quite a good turnout on Saturday, it was particularly busy in the afternoon - especially at this time of year as we are indoors.”

The museum is open at weekends and on Wednesdays during school holidays, including this Wednesday when it will run a model-making workshop for children. For details visit pendonmuseum.com.