Pensioner Who Loves Trains

Can choo believe it? Train fanatic spends £22,000 building a railway line in his back garden By ANTHONY BOND For most men, owning a shed in their back garden is enough to make them happy. But, following a life-long obsession with trains, retired accountant Bill Barritt decided his garden was going to be that little bit more special.  The 80-year-old is so obsessed by trains that he forked out £22,000 on his own railway line. Incredible: Following a life-long obsession with trains, retired accountant Bill Barritt forked out £22,000 on his own railway line in his back garden Dedicated: Mr Barritt spent three years building his own private train and 1.2 miles of track, which takes him around his 13 acres of land at his country home Treat: The grandfather uses the train to ferry his 12 grandchildren around his sprawling back garden in Bridgnorth, Shropshire Mr Barritt spent three years building his own private train and 1.2 miles of track, which takes him around his 13 acres of land at his country home. He even had the 25ft (7.5m) long eight-passenger train imported from America. The grandfather uses the train to ferry his 12 grandchildren around his sprawling back garden in Bridgnorth, Shropshire. Mr Barritt revealed it was his wife Patricia, 81, who persuaded him to fulfil his dream of owning his own train line.  Mr Barritt said: 'Patricia told me I should build a railway because she knew it was something I'd always said I'd do.  'I did it because she told me too really. 'Now I can get around the garden at any time - and my train always runs on time. Relaxing: Ever since he was a child, Mr Barritt has had a passion for railways and regularly travelled on trains  around the country as he was growing up Popular: Villagers are also invited round for a ride on the train and it's become somewhat of a tourist attraction Family affair: Mr Barritt has four children and 12 grandchildren - all of whom have all taken a trip round his track 'It took a long time to complete sometimes I would take a break of a week or two and I got a lot of help from my gardener with the physical work.' Ever since he was a child Mr Barritt has had a passion for railways, regularly travelling on trains around the country as he was growing up. He added: 'I've always had a fascination with trains. As a youngster I would often go watching the steam trains on the main line up in Lancashire.  'I loved to travel on the big old engines - the trains aren't the same these days.  Humorous: A sign warns passengers in Mr Barritt's garden of what they should be looking out for 'But now I only have to look out of my back window to see one - it's wonderful.' Mr Barritt has four children and 12 grandchildren - all of whom have all taken a trip round his track.  Villagers are also invited round for a ride on the train and it's become somewhat of a tourist attraction.  Mr Barritt added: 'Everybody around the village knows about it and every now and then there's a knock at my door from people wanting a little trip.'