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With huge rock festival Download taking place in Castle Donington this weekend, it's no surprise that there were some big stars visiting the county.

But, it came as something of a surprise for visitors to Stapleford Miniature Railway when Guns N' Roses bass guitarist Duff McKagan stopped by the Leicestershire attraction, which was running the first of two 2018 public open weekends.

According to railway volunteers, Duff - who was staying the night with the rest of the band at luxurious hotel Stapleford Park - bought a ticket to ride, but spent a long time talking to Melton Fire Station crew who were showing their appliance at the event, and his security team took him back before he had chance to hop on the train.

(Image: Stapleford Miniature Railway)

His visit came hours after he and the rest of Guns N' Roses headlined Download on Saturday evening.

Train trips were enjoyed by members of the band's management team and their families, who were visiting from LA.

Railway volunteers and visitors were given a wave by Guns N' Roses as they went off on their helicopter from the hotel to Download on Saturday evening.

Then on Sunday evening, when lead vocalist Axl Rose departed for next leg of their European tour, the gathered crowd also received a wave from the mega star.

Stapleford Miniature Railway has been visited by a few well-known faces over the years, including rugby star Martin Johnson, Madness singer Suggs, and record producer and well known train fan Pete Waterman, who opened the new station in 2008.

The next open weekend will take place from August 25 to 27. It gives the public the rare chance to ride on the 10 1/4 inch gauge miniature railway.