A retired headteacher has been honoured at the historic railway signal box she helped save.

Audrey Gebbie, former headteacher of Romsey Infants School, suggested the preservation of the Romsey Signal Box when it closed in 1982.

The Romsey & District Buildings Preservation Trust purchased the disused signal box for £10 and relocated it next to the school grounds.

The Friends of Romsey Signal Box have since restored the structure and transformed the site into a working museum.

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Dick Hewett and Audrey Gebbie unveil the new name (Image: Aaron Thomas) Since its opening in 1992, the museum has attracted more than 18,000 visitors.

The Friends have now officially opened their latest building on the site, naming it the Audrey Gebbie Discovery Centre in honour of Mrs Gebbie, now 94.

The occasion was attended by members of Mrs Gebbie’s family, the mayors of Romsey and Test Valley, and members of the Friends and other external partners who contributed to developing the site.

The exhibits at the site include hands-on displays about track circuits and interlocking, a fully automated railway signalling display, and several computer screens with interactive railway challenges.

Chairman of the Friends, Dick Hewett, said: "We were thrilled that Audrey was so enthusiastic about the Discovery Centre, which is the culmination of a vision she had over 40 years ago.

"It is only right that she be remembered for her initial proposal and support for what has become a unique attraction for Romsey."

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A special event was held to unveil the new name (Image: Aaron Thomas) Mrs Gebbie said: "It is wonderful how the signal box museum has developed. I never expected it to be so extensive when I suggested saving the signal box. The Friends have done a fantastic job."

The Mayor of Test Valley, Cllr Ian Jeffery, said: "There is much more here than anyone would expect.

"I really hope the local schools and wider population make the most of this fantastic facility."

Romsey Town Mayor John Parker added: "I have seen this site develop over the years, and become a great part of the heritage of the town."

The Friends also celebrated other new developments, including new display signs, a new trail guide for visitors, the fitting of a new facing point lock, and the display of canal artefacts rescued from the Andover Canal at Timsbury.

Romsey Signal Box, located behind Plaza Parade off Winchester Road, is open to the public between 11am and 4pm on the first Sunday and third Saturday of each month throughout the year.

Entry is free for children, with a small fee for adults.