A former Pecorama employee returned to catch up with friends and colleagues last week - and ended up driving a train.

Mike Davis, from Axminster, retired as a shop assistant at the Beer-based model railway firm recently, after 15 years.

Returning for what he thought would be a quiet chat with his pals last week he got a big surprise.

Pecorama directors Michael Pritchard, Ben Arnold and Chris Noake had arranged for Mike to drive one of his beloved steam trains around the Pecorama light railway track

Later the surprise continued, when he was joined by friends and family for a celebration high tea in the magnificent Orion Pullman carriage on site.

With an afternoon tea menu, reminiscent of those famously served at the Ritz and the Savoy, in London, Mike enjoyed the afternoon, being served with a fine selection of cakes, pastries and finger sandwiches whilst reminiscing with his friends and former work colleagues.

Pecorama chairman Michael Pritchard said: “It really was a delightful afternoon and we were so happy that we could surprise Mike in this way as a small token of our affection for him and to show our appreciation for all he has done for us over the years.”