Many visitors to Leicestershire, including those on Canal Boat Holidays, are keen to visit Great Central Railway, it has been claimed.

Martin Peters, chief executive of Leicester Shire Promotions, said it is not only a wonderful attraction in its own right, but is perfect for exploring the rest of the region.

He continued: 'Great Central Railway is based in Charnwood, so locally you have other heritage attractions such as the Bell Foundry Museum, as well as the beautiful natural landscapes of Bradgate Country Park and Charnwood Forest.

'Other destinations close by include the National Space Centre and Twycross Zoo, he emphasised.

Great Central Railway is said by the expert to welcome more than 100,000 visitors on an annual basis, with people able to dine on board or even have a go at driving one of the engines.

The attraction is currently being considered for millions of pounds of funding to regenerate and improve tourist facilities.