ANTIQUES can be much more than a valuable piece of furniture or a valuable ornament - they can evoke childhood memories.

When most people mention antiques or antiques fairs the first thing that comes to mind may not be a piece of glassware, jewellery or an old painting, but a teddybear, doll or vintage toy.

Most people will remember a favourite toy or a first loved teddybear but that may be the start of a varied collection.

This weekend fans of toys and trains old and new can enjoy a whole day at a special Toys and Trains Collectors' Fair at the Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet.

Stuart Vowles, organiser of the Toys and Trains Collectors' Fair, said that collectors would be able to find toys and models both old and new. He said they would have new toys, as well as such things as model railways and vintage toys.

He said: "There will be about 400 stalls with all sorts of toys and trains. The question is, coming along to see what is available."

He said there will be a broad mix of everything that could be of interest to children and collectors.

He said: "We can have children interested in collecting and adults aged 65 or over who remember old Meccano and gauge steam trains." The fair is expected to see more than 3,000 enthusiasts through the doors on Sunday.

Whether it is a collection started from a find in the attic or a childhood love of trains, the fair should give people the chance to collect more items or look at what toys and trains are available. Helen Roberts