AFTER a closure of more than five weeks, Poole Park's popular mini engine can resume puffing around its track.

A grand re-opening is being planned by owner Chris Bullen, who is "over the moon" that the railway has been given the all clear.

The mini railway, which has delighted generations of youngsters, was closed on March 23 when what is believed to be an act of vandalism caused a carriage to overturn and a young boy taken to hospital for a check up.

A specialist engineer was brought in to inspect the track and Borough of Poole was awaiting this before deciding what action to take.

The report has confirmed Chris's view that the derailing was caused by a malicious act.

He said early on that it was a deliberate act by youngsters who "put some sticks in the points".

"Railway specialists Alan Keef Ltd have completed their inspection of the Poole Park railway and found it to be in fair and serviceable order," said Anthony Rogers, recreation and community manager, Borough of Poole.

"They inspected the set of points where the recent incident occurred in detail and whilst they felt the track would benefit from some enhancement works over the medium term, including upgrading and replacement of some of the rail, they found no evidence of damage or mechanical failure.

"On this basis, they have concluded that the most likely cause of the incident was regrettably malicious interference."

He added: "Alan Keef Ltd and Borough of Poole have made recommendations to the operator regarding safety checks and operational procedures, however, on the basis of this inspection and track trials, we are satisfied that the railway is fit and safe to re-open."

He said: "We will continue to work closely with them (the operator) to ensure the safe operation of this popular attraction."

Chris said he was "really excited about getting it back open".

He intends to introduce further visual track inspections during the day and runs of the train without passengers, in a bid to ensure vandalism like this can not happen again.

He said he was grateful for all the messages of support he received during the closure and the fact that people had missed their trips on the train so much.

And he is now planning a grand re-opening of the railway and a fund raising charity event in aid of Forest Holme Hospice.