Rod Stewart donates £10k to model railway club after vandals destroy life's work

21 May 2019, 11:46 | Updated: 21 May 2019, 16:45

Sir Rod Stewart has said that he is donating £10,000 to a model railway club, whose exhibition was senselessly destroyed by vandals.

Market Deeping Model Railway Club lost years of their work in a seemingly random raid in Stamford, Lincolnshire, on Saturday (May 18)

The 74-year-old singer - who is also a model railway enthusiast himself - said he was "absolutely devastated" by the attack.

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A fundraising page was originally set up to raise £500 for the club, has now raised over £70,000 in just over a day.

Four young men were arrested on suspicion of burglary and criminal damage, and have been released on police bail.

Sir Rod said: "I was absolutely devastated to hear that vandals had destroyed what was to be a lovely show.

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"It took me 23 years to build my model railway so I feel their pain. The collection was priceless and I am donating £10,000 to help compensate those affected and asking fellow enthusiasts Jools Holland, Roger Daltrey and others to do the same."

The club set up the exhibition at Welland Academy for public viewing on Sunday, but the display was ruined overnight.

Peter Davies, 70, said: "We are just bowled over by people's generosity, we are yet to come to terms with what it all means.

"We have no idea what we are going to do, we've had offers of layouts, stock, it's just been unbelievable, it's totally overwhelming.

"Those involved know how long it takes to build, there's a lot of love out there for the skill and dedication," he added.

"I'm sure things will be possible that have not been. Thanks to everybody, nothing will be wasted."