LEGENDARY pop mogul Pete Waterman is offering a private tour of his model railway to help secure the future of the East Lancashire Railway (ELR).

The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is the star lot in an online auction of memorabilia and experiences which is hoped will raise £10,000 towards the survival of the cherished heritage attraction, whose future was thrown in doubt by the coronavirus outbreak.

Thought to be the largest mainline O gauge model railway in the UK, Pete’s pride and joy depicts Leamington Spa station from the late 1950s, where the young pop guru’s life-long fascination with locomotives began.

East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society president Pete has been working on the painstaking project since 2003.

The auction also provides enthusiasts with a rare chance to get their hands on some unique railway memorabilia including ELR nameplates alongside the opportunity to take a footplate ride on some classic engines.

The remaining lots include:

A set of ELR nameplates that graced the Class 37 Loco 418 between April 1994 and when it was withdrawn from service in 2006.

Footplate rides ­— Get up close and personal with one of four magnificent engines. Choose from 34092 City of Wells, 60009 Union of South Africa 45596 Bahamas and a diesel locomotive

A private Carriage ride with Pete ­— Enjoy the ELR Observation Saloon for the day alongside 25 guests with food included. Pete will pay you a visit and give a talk.

A personalised Headboard ­— Ride in your very own service with your personalised headboard attached to the locomotive Tornado memorabilia

The online auction has already proved popular, attracting bids of over £3,000, and will run until Saturday.

Pete, the legendary producer behind acts such as Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan and Steps, said: “The East Lancashire Railway is one of the most important heritage railways in Britain.

“I’m delighted to take part in their fundraising efforts. My model railway has provided me with countless hours of enjoyment. I look forward to sharing it with the lucky auction winner.”

East Lancashire Railway Chairman Mike Kelly said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support the public has shown the ELR during these unprecedented times.

“Our online auction will raise vital funds to ensure the future of the railway for generations to come.

“It’s a chance for railway enthusiasts to get their hands on some prized memorabilia and money-can’t-buy experiences.”

The Bury to Rawtenstall railway launched a £200,000 emergency fundraising drive in March after the coronavirus crisis forced it to close its doors.

Contributions to the East Lancashire Railway Support Fund have poured in from as far afield as Australia, America and the United Arab Emirates, pushing its total to over £100,000.