ONCE again artist Ian Pethers, of Glenrock Art Studio at Gunnislake, will be opening his garden to raise funds for the RNLI as part of the 'Gardens for the Lifeboats' project.

The garden which houses an 'O' gauge model railway will be open from 10am to 5pm on May 30 and 31.

Mr Pethers has been building and maintaining the model railway for over 15 years, even buying an extra plot ten years ago to extend the line, which now consists of 180ft of double track depicting the final days of steam in the 1960s with the Royal Scot and Blue Pullman making guest appearances.

The first part of the garden depicts East Berkshire, Ian's childhood home, with a recently constructed model of Windsor Station and a model band playing in the grounds of an edited Windsor Castle. In the second section the train enters the Tamar Valley with models of station buildings from Gunnislake, Calstock and Bere Alston.

The artist has been participating in Gardens for the Lifeboats for ten years with the help of wife Marylou, railway modelling colleague George Fielder, RNLI co-ordinators David Atkins, Jan Clarke and the late Ted Clarke, who was a keen railway modeller.

In past years they have raised between £200 and £300 and hope for an even better turnout this year, weather permitting. Entry is £2.50 for adults and £1.50 for juniors and seniors.

Also on show will be some of Mr Pether's latest paintings, prints and cards, an RNLI souvenir stall and refreshments will be available. Glenrock Art Studio is located next to Gunnislake Railway Station.