Pupils showed they were on the right track when they took part in the Swale heat of the KCC-Hornby Schools’ Model Railway Competition.

The Margate-based firm has joined up with the county council to challenge Year 6 pupils to design a model with scenery of their choice.

Teams from Teynham, Rodmersham, Lower Halstow and Milton Court primaries showed off their designs on Friday at Fulston Manor school.

These included urban areas and a Welsh valley.

But it was Lower Halstow’s model of a giant ice cream background and other goodies which got the most votes.

Judges were county councillor Keith Ferrin, former head teacher Ian Walton and Sittingbourne News Extra editor Matt Ramsden.

A dozen heats were held across the county with the 12 winners now going head to head in the final at County Hall, Maidstone, on July 14.

Organiser Cllr Alan Chell said: “I am sure the children enjoyed themselves. I thought all the children were very enthusiastic and competent, the layouts were very good and I am sure it was a very difficult to select a winner.

“I know it is disappointing for those who did not win, but I do believe in this case taking part in the model railway project was just as much benefit to the children as winning the competition.”