Volunteers at the Rutland Railway Museum between Cottesmore and Ashwell hope to open a new two-storey building at the site along with better toilets and visitor facilities.

They have applied for planning permission following a survey of visitors which suggested possible areas of improvement for the future.

But if the plans are given the go ahead, the museum still needs to raise thousands of pounds to carry out the improvements because volunteers fear their bid for a lottery grant will be unsuccessful.

Volunteer John Jarvill said: "Unfortunately our match funding for the Heritage Lottery Grant has fallen through so we would need to find alternative funds to carry out the plans. But we still hope to continue improving the facilities at the museum."

The future plans include teaming up with the local minerals industry to launch joint school visits where the children can visit the museum and an active local quarry.

The museum, which is manned by volunteers, is open at the weekends between 11am and 4pm. It includes a number of exhibits which stand in the open, a locomotive shed, small exhibits area, cafe and shop.