A POPULAR tourist attraction has welcomed its 1.5 millionth passenger.

Beech Hurst Park Miniature Railway in Bolnore Road, Haywards Heath, is run by volunteers.

It operates scale live steam and battery electric locomotives within Beech Hurst Gardens, Haywards Heath.

The track first opened to the public in 1954 and was significantly extended in 1975 to its present length of just under half a mile.

Now in its 64th season, the milestone was reached on Saturday when the Tennant family from North Chailey visited.

They were presented with a commemorative plate by Haywards Heath Town Mayor James Knight.

Long-standing Sussex Miniature Locomotive Society member Chris Saunders counted down the last 100 passengers on Saturday.

He said “This marks a very significant part of the club’s history and shows how popular the railway is within the local community.

“To put the 1,500,000 figure into context, it is nearly equal to the current population of Sussex riding on our railway.”

SMLS welcomes new members aged 12 and above to help run the railway and maintain the facilities.

It is open for rides every Saturday and Sunday between 2pm and 5pm and the 2018 season draws to a close on Sunday September 30.