THE National Railway Museum in York is hunting for old toy trains and railway timetables.

The museum is holding two valuation weekends, during which people can bring along their railway memorabilia for free valuation.

With the recent boom in collecting railway artefacts, many people may have historically important or valuable objects at home without realising it.

Bob Gwynne, project developer at the NRM, said: "We're really looking forward to seeing a wonderful range of objects over the two valuation weekends. "People can bring along their very own pieces of railway history to the museum, and guest experts will let them know what they are worth."

The special event will be held on weekends during the museum's Railfest celebrations between May 29 and June 6.

Updated: 10:47 Thursday, April 15, 2004