Police patrols ride miniature trains on Kent railway

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Police patrols are riding on a miniature railway in Kent during the summer holidays in an effort to deter vandals and hooligans.

Nuisance behaviour in previous years on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch railway has included missiles being thrown at trains and debris left on the track.

The Romney Marsh neighbourhood team tried riding on the train at Easter and Whitsun half-term.

"It seemed to help," said Acting Sgt Will Gennie.

"We identified four young lads who were playing chicken on the track and throwing a ball over the train as it went through."

The railway runs for 13.5 miles (21.7 km) between Hythe and Dungeness and operates both steam and diesel hauled trains.

Police officers on the train who encounter trouble-makers are able to call for support from patrol cars on the road.

The initiative is expected to run until the end of the summer holidays.

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