The influx of stars and cameras certainly added some unexpected excitement for families enjoying a school holiday visit to the railway. Even Thomas the engine was upstaged.

Through the years, the NVR has done a great job of putting the city on the international map, you just can't buy the kind of kudos that becoming recognised as a key location for major films and television programmes brings.

Many top TV shows from London's Burning and Silent Witness, to Casualty and Dalziel & Pascoe have shot key scenes there, and the historic trains and the line itself have added authenticity to Bond films and a host of other movies. It's exciting stuff.

It was an interesting coincidence that other visitors to Wansford yesterday, included a group of 40 Bond film afficionados from America and Canada who were keen to see where scenes from Octopussy with Roger Moore and Goldeneye with Pierce Brosnan were shot. Not bad going for a little railway set up by city enthusiasts who did not want to see the golden age of steam forgotten.

Louis highlights another star
SPORTING stars don't come any nicer than city gymnast Louis Smith. Once more he has shown this by nominating his former coach, Jo McKenna, for an unsung hero award. A typically caring gesture.