RACING returned to Donington Park at the weekend – but in miniature.

And hundreds of fans from across the UK and abroad flocked to see the action.

The International Slot Car Festival was held at Donington's museum and attracted enthusiasts of all ages.

There were displays and activities for children, including the opportunity to take a Scalextric driving test and earn a licence by completing different challenges, assessed by a road safety team.

Two entrants who were successful were 12-year-olds Jonathan Cobb and Lewis Mawer, who had travelled from Birmingham to enjoy the show.

Lewis's dad, Peter, who was part of the organising team, said: "We set up three circuits for youngsters – an easy, a medium, then a hard one.

"The idea is to stop the cars colliding, which we hope will teach them a road safety message while we are doing it.

"Lewis got his licence. I think he's probably a better driver than I am!"

Race preparation workshops offered tips on how to improve speeds and keep cars on the track, while fans could also try their hand at building cars and scenery.

Duncan McCann, from York, was showcasing two race circuits that are powered by bicycle, rather than electricity, and youngsters were queuing up to take a turn.

He said: "We have taken the pedal-powered circuit to schools and colleges to try to teach an environmental message.

"It shows them that a Scalextric-style game can be powered in an environmentally-friendly way.

"I even had one dad say to me he might have a go at building something similar in his garage."

Trade stalls were packed as race enthusiasts snapped up cars, pieces of track and accessories for their own circuits at home.

JP Brouwer had brought items to sell from his shop in Tilburg, Holland.

He said: "Most of my trade is in Europe but with this being the first exhibition of its kind in the UK, I wanted to be here.

"When the doors first opened, crowds of people came in and the sales have been really good."

Julie Scale, of organisers Scale Model, said she would certainly consider using Donington as a venue again.

"We are absolutely thrilled to bits that so many people have come to the event," she said.

"We wanted a good turnout but we never expected this many.

"What seemed to work well was opening the museum at 9am, then the festival at 10pm.

"People had an hour to look at the fantastic exhibition before moving on to our event."