ALBERT Stones is known to generations of Bolton youngsters who visit Moss Bank Park as the man who runs the trains.

For more than 15 years, he has led a small band of dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers who operate the model railway at the Park.

And to reward him for his work over the years, he was chosen by the Rotary Club of Bolton to receive the Gerald Taylor Vocational Service Award.

It is made each year to a person who has made a "significant contribution to the educational, artistic, cultural or scientific life of Bolton."

But a modest Mr Stones accepted the award on behalf of the 10 members of the group, who run the railway every Sunday afternoon -- weather permitting.

Mr Stones, aged 69, started the project after chatting with a councillor back in the mid 80s. They decided a model railway would be ideal for children visiting the park.

The council provided the materials and laid the track, but the volunteers carried out the labour and built all the engines and coaches. Since it officially opened in 1987, the railway has had almost 250,000 passengers.

Mr Stones was presented with his award -- a commemorative certificate and a cheque for £250 -- at a ceremony at Smithills Coaching House.

He said: "I never in the memory of man thought our railway would warrant an award like this."

And the railway buff who said he started playing with trains at the age of five, added: "We try to give a service."

Although all the money made from the 25p rides goes back to the council which owns the railway, every year the volunteers are allowed 10 fund raising Saturdays when the cash goes to charity.

Mr Stones has already handed over his Rotary cheque to his favourite charity -- the Bolton Cardiac Support Group, who helped him after he suffered a heart attack.