Carrick welcomes five hundred scouts

The society aimed to extend the existing railway track in the seaside town and hold open days for visitors to view former rolling stock restored to its former glory.

The organisation owned three engines and was in the process of negotiating the purchase of carriages.

The Railway Preservation Society of Ireland (RPSI) is an Irish railway preservation group operating throughout Ireland. It was founded in 1964.

The society’s founder members perform regular maintenance tasks and undertake full engine restoration.

Lord O’Neill, society president, said: “We hope to operate as a tourist attraction similar to those in England.”

The same week, Carrick welcomed 500 boy scouts and 80 leaders from 40 troops across Northern Ireland to the town for their annual camp.

They converged at Carrickfergus Grammar School’s rugby grounds where they took part in activities including judo and archery.

Others took part in canoeing at Carrick Harbour.