A friend of Micks mentioned two Russ Monkeys at a place called Amerton Farm in Staffordshire. Only 56 miles from Melton Mowbray my home! Luckily I heard him also mention a garden centre, craft shop, tea room, railway and several other things.

So on The Internet I went and found The Amerton Farm Website Then I printed a map and left it laying around. Next thing we are in the car and off we go. Only one snag Mick had left the camera in a 'night shot' mode so I HAD TO DOCTOR THE PHOTOGRAPHS.

Lucky again because Paddy The Engine was being tested otherwise I would only see the engines on a weekend.

I wasn't allowed anywhere near it when the inspector came.

Wondered if it would start to move before I left.

Can be lonely on a railway station but great that the sun was shining

Always like posing with a sign banning you from doing something you want to do.

The engineer let me sit on the front of Paddy!

What a fellow as I also sat on the middle

This is where the camera was wrong! IT WAS NOT ME!

The train is coming round the corner

Thought you might like to see the ticket office

Just woke up and missed the train!